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February 19, 2025February 19, 2025 – Turkey –
Turkish courts ordered the blocking of social media accounts belonging to several Kurdish journalists, including Abdurrahman Gök, Oktay Candemir, and Ruşen Takva. The court orders cited concerns over “national security, public order, and preventing the spread of misleading information.” These actions are part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices and media freedom in Turkey.
The journalists’ accounts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube were rendered inaccessible within Turkey. Gök’s YouTube account, for instance, was blocked from access in the country. These measures have raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who view them as attempts to silence dissenting voices and restrict the flow of information.
The Turkish government’s actions have drawn criticism from international organizations. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged social media platforms to resist complying with such court orders, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression.
Social media companies have faced pressure to comply with Turkish court orders. While some platforms have acquiesced to avoid penalties or access restrictions, others have challenged these orders in court, citing concerns over free speech and the public’s right to information.
The blocking of journalists’ accounts in Turkey highlights the ongoing challenges to press freedom and the role of social media in disseminating information. As the government continues to tighten its grip on media outlets and online platforms, journalists and activists face increasing obstacles in reaching their audiences and reporting on critical issues.
The international community and human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the protection of journalists’ rights and the preservation of free expression in Turkey.
Reference –
X blocks access to accounts of 3 Kurdish journalists in Turkey