Turks Lose Access to Imamoglu's X Account as Authorities Accuse Him of Incitement
Turkey restricts access to X accounts belonging to jailed Mayor Imamoglu.
The X account of Ekrem Imamoglu, Istanbul's imprisoned mayor, has been axed in Turkey. Turkish Communications Directorate revealed that an investigation was launched against Imamoglu over a controversial post on his X page from April. He's charged with openly instigating a crime. Despite being locked up, his profile is still accessible overseas, particularly in Germany.
The X account functioned as a go-between for the public and Imamoglu. Since his arrest, his messages to supporters have been delivered through this channel, which has reportedly caused "harm to public peace" due to his absence. Consequently, a petition for a preliminary suspension of his X account was lodged with the criminal court. It's worth noting that Imamoglu is no longer managing the account himself.
Protests in the Streets, Supporters Silenced
The court ruled to suspend the account, considering it impossible to block only specific content without restricting the account completely. However, X has come out fighting, vowing to appeal the decision and maintain access to the platform, arguing that doing so is essential for freedom of speech and information dissemination, especially during emergencies and post-disaster situations.
The Great Cleanup: Imamoglu Behind Bars
The arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Imamoglu has plunged Turkey into turmoil. He was apprehended on March 19 for allegations related to corruption and terrorism, with him currently incarcerated on corruption charges. Opponents claim Erdogan is manipulating the judiciary to eliminate his main adversary.
Thousands have taken to the streets in regular protests since the arrest. On Wednesday, demonstrators gathered in front of the university that revoked Imamoglu's diploma before his detention.
A Blow to Free Speech and a Step Towards Censorship
The suspension of Imamoglu's account highlights legal issues and freedom of speech concerns. Critics see it as an attempt to muzzle opposition voices and curb free speech. The Turkish government has blocked hundreds of social media accounts associated with journalists and news organizations since Imamoglu's arrest in March. Interestingly, his English-language account remains accessible in Turkey, indicating a selective application of censorship.
Rights groups worry that the incident signals broader efforts by the Turkish government to control online content and limit political opposition's ability to communicate with the public. They argue that such actions undermine democratic norms and stifle public debate. The appeal by X underscores the conflict between complying with government orders and defending freedom of expression on digital platforms.
Article sources: ntv.de, als/dpa.
[1]: https://www.ntv.de/politik/imamoglu-kritisiert-blockade-von-x-account-zwischengefuhrt-massiver-infobruch-bei-lokals limitation: Failed to meet the input limit, had to cut out some content from the enrichment data.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the controversial actions taken against Ekrem Imamoglu, the Istanbul mayor currently imprisoned in Turkey.
- Despite Ekrem Imamoglu's X account being blocked in Turkey, it is essential to note that the English-language account remains accessible worldwide, providing an avenue for news, entertainment, politics, and social media updates, even during his incarceration.
- The suspension of Imamoglu's X account and the blocking of numerous social media accounts linked to journalists and news organizations in Turkey have raised questions regarding freedom of speech and the silencing of opposition voices.
- In light of the controversy surrounding Ekrem Imamoglu's detention, it may be relevant for the Commission to reflect on the importance of maintaining accessible platforms for political figures, allowing them to communicate directly with their constituents.
- As Ekrem Imamoglu's supporters continue to mobilize through protests amidst widespread concerns about freedom of speech and censorship in Turkey, discussion forums, WhatsApp groups, and alternative social media platforms emerge as vital tools for rallying public opinion and keeping the dialogue alive.
