Access restriction and detention order for certain internet content on social media

Within the framework of ongoing judicial investigations, access bans were imposed on social media accounts and websites of numerous LGBT associations in Istanbul, while 21 suspects were apprehended in an Ankara-based operation.

Adult and Social Media Content in Istanbul

Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an access restriction decision requested from the court was issued. The Istanbul 7th Criminal Judgeship of Peace ruled to impose blocks on numerous accounts and contents belonging to LGBT associations within the framework of the investigation.

Organizations Subject to Access Restrictions

In line with the decision taken, access bans were applied to the websites of a total of 10 organizations, namely Kaos GL, CETAD, Muamma LGBTİ+, SPoD, 17 Mayıs, Lambdaistanbul LGBTİ+, Kırmızı Şemsiye, Pembe Hayat LGBTİ+, Mersin 7 Renk LGBT, and HEVİ LGBTİ.

The said access restriction decisions were officially notified to the competent authority, the Presidency of Cybersecurity, for implementation.

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Investigation

A separate investigation was launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. A notification claiming that posts containing obscene content accessible to children were made on the website and social media accounts of the Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Researches and Solidarity Association was evaluated.

Detention Order for Suspects

Within the scope of the initiated investigation, detention orders were issued for a total of 26 suspects. In the operations organized so far, 21 suspects have been detained by security forces.

It was reported that police efforts are ongoing to capture the 5 suspects who have detention warrants against them but have not yet been apprehended.