Global internet hackers threatened to attack websites affiliated with the Egyptian government on Wednesday in retaliation for the regime’s blocking of social-networking sites used by opposition groups to mobilize Tuesday’s “Day of Anger” protests.
The posse of hackers known only as “Anonymous” issued an online press release on Wednesday carrying the following strongly-worded warning to the Egyptian government: “Anonymous challenges all those who are involved in censorship. Anonymous wants you to offer free access to uncensored media in your entire country.”
“When you ignore this message, not only will we attack your government websites, Anonymous will also make sure the international media sees the horrid reality you impose upon your people,” the statement continued.
Egyptians were denied access to both Facebook and Twitter following Tuesday’s protests, in which tens of thousands took to the streets shouting anti-government slogans and demanding political reform. Violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces, leaving at least four killed and hundreds injured. Police used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse protesters.
The “Day of Anger” was initially called for by online protest groups, including the 6 April youth movement, that had been inspired by recent events in Tunisia.
In recent years, social networking websites have been used by growing numbers of young Egyptians as a platform from which to voice their political and economic grievances. Since 2008, Facebook activists have been calling for strikes and sit-ins to protest rising inflation and chronic authoritarianism.
“By imposing censorship upon its own people and condemning these freedoms, the Egyptian government has revealed itself to be criminal and has made itself an enemy of Anonymous,” the hackers’ statement noted.
Last month, the mysterious group established themselves as a force to be reckoned with after having disrupted several major western websites that they accused of working against online whistle-blower Wikileaks. Victims included the Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Amazon websites.
Earlier this month, Anonymous turned its attention eastward when it targeted key websites affiliated with the now-defunct Tunisian government following the successful popular uprising in that country.
