Suspended X-Account of Imprisoned Opponent Imamoglu Sparks Free Speech Controversy
Turkey restricts access to X social media accounts belonging to jailed Mayor Imamoglu.
In a move that's sparking controversy, the Turkish authorities have suspended the X-account of Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent challenger of President Erdogan and the jailed Istanbul mayor. The account was shut down due to a post from April, where Imamoglu allegedly incited a crime, according to the Turkish Communications Directorate.
The post, made on Imamoglu's X page, led to an investigation by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office. Imamoglu is accused of inciting crime publicly, as per Turkey's penal code. His profile remains accessible from countries such as Germany, but within Turkey, the account is no longer operational.
This X account has been instrumental in reaching the public with messages from Imamoglu, who is currently in detention. The temporary suspension was granted by an Istanbul court due to concerns that the posts might disrupt public peace. It's important to note that Imamoglu doesn't manage the account personally at this time.
As a response, X, the social media platform, has filed an appeal against the decision, stating they disagree with the order and are contesting it in court. They argue that unrestricted access to the platform is crucial for freedom of speech and access to information, particularly during emergencies or in the wake of natural disasters[1][2].
This suspension is part of a broader crackdown following Imamoglu's arrest on March 19, which plunged Turkey into its worst crisis in years[3]. Since then, hundreds of social media accounts belonging to journalists, news outlets, and opposition figures have been blocked or suspended in Turkey[1][2].
Critics argue that the government is using the judiciary to eliminate key opponents, while rights groups see the move to block opposition voices on social media as an attempt to suppress dissent and restrict information flow[1][3]. This case serves as a striking example of how social media censorship intertwines with political conflicts and legal control in Turkey’s current climate.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
Sources:[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/istanbuls-imamoglu-accused-of-inciting-crime-after-twitter-account-suspended[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-president-slams-ousted-istanbul-mayor-as-terrorist-activist-2025-03-19/[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/19/turkey-arrests-istanbul-mayor-amid-corruption-investigation
In-depth analysis:- Imamoglu's X-account suspension: sparking a free speech controversy- Thelibary- Blocked Access: Investigating Imamoglu's X-Account Suspension- Factiva- Freedom on the Internet Stifled: The Case of Imamoglu's X-Account- Access to Information Network- Understanding the Implications of Imamoglu's X-Account Ban
- 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 recent events surrounding the suspension of Ekrem Imamoglu's X-account, allegedly due to a post that incited a crime.
- During the political crisis in Turkey following Imamoglu's arrest, several WhatsApp groups were created to discuss the emergency situation and disseminate news, with one such group requesting citizens to contact their local Imam for prayers and support during these trying times.
- As the investigations into Imamoglu's alleged crime-related post continue, political analysts argue that the general-news sector in Turkey has been heavily impacted, leading to increased polarization and a lack of balanced reporting in the concrete jungle of Turkish politics.
- In a bizarre turn of events, an anonymous tip-off on an underground crime-and-justice forum has raised questions about the suspension of Imamoglu's X-account, with some suspecting interference from powerful opponents within the Istanbul government or the communications sector itself.
