Zardari Shut Up censored
By Ria Sharma

Google’s YouTube is one of the most popular sites in the world with the power to help make and break some politicians and elections. Or at least embarrass them.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his advisors were not too happy when YouTube displayed a video of Zardari shouting ‘Shut Up’ at some unruly people at a rally. The image of the President losing his cool was so farcical (comical?) that it was deemed to be newsworthy in India and broadcast by at least 2 national TV channels.

Then everyone forgot about the video in India the rest of the world. There were newer things to be amused about. Except in Pakistan where this video developed a cult following. Everyone in Pakistan had heard of the Zardari Shut Up video.

Instead of ignoring the video, on Feb 7, 2010, President Zardari’s team directed most ISP’s to block YouTube for a while.  Anyone from Pakistan trying to access YouTube got the message ‘This Site is Restricted’.  When YouTube services were restored in Pakistan, this video has been blocked.

What was Mr. Zardari saying before he asked people to ‘Shut Up’? He was actually crying out for democratic principles and was asking ‘What has happened to democracy?’ before losing his cool.

As you can imagine, nothing stirs interest in any video than a ham handed attempt to ban it.  Now the news has spread over the internet and millions more are watching it. You can see it at this link.