Turkey Arrests Dozens for Online Posts After Erdogan Rival Held
In a controversial crackdown on dissent, Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of individuals over social media posts following the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The move has sparked widespread concerns about freedom of speech and political repression in the country.
Background: İmamoğlu’s Arrest Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition leader and a potential challenger to Erdoğan in future elections, was detained on allegations of corruption and alleged links to terrorist organizations. His arrest has led to protests across major Turkish cities, with opposition supporters and human rights activists condemning the move as politically motivated.
Online Crackdown and Arrests Following the public outcry over İmamoğlu’s arrest, Turkish authorities launched a sweeping investigation into social media activity related to the event. The Interior Ministry announced that dozens of individuals had been taken into custody for allegedly spreading "disinformation," inciting unrest, and "targeting national security."
According to official sources, the detained individuals are accused of:
- Sharing “false information” about İmamoğlu’s arrest and the ongoing political crisis.
- Encouraging protests and civil disobedience against the government.
- Allegedly spreading propaganda linked to outlawed organizations.
The government’s actions have been justified under Turkey’s controversial disinformation law, which was introduced in 2022 to combat fake news but has been widely criticized for being used to suppress opposition voices.
International Reactions and Concerns The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and foreign governments. The European Union and the United Nations have expressed concerns over Turkey’s shrinking space for free speech and political opposition. Amnesty International labeled the crackdown "an alarming assault on fundamental rights."
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has urged Turkey to uphold democratic principles and ensure that individuals are not punished for expressing their opinions online.
Public Response and Ongoing Protests Despite the crackdown, protests continue in Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities, with demonstrators demanding İmamoğlu’s release and an end to political repression. Social media platforms have also seen an increase in encrypted communication and alternative ways of sharing information, as activists fear further government surveillance.
Reports indicate that Turkish authorities have also slowed down access to Twitter, YouTube, and other social media platforms, a tactic previously used during times of political unrest.