Access Block Imposed on T24 Website and Social Media Accounts
Digital platforms and social media accounts of the news organization were blocked following a judicial decision taken within the framework of an ongoing investigation.
Upon the investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Istanbul 1st Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered the blocking of access to T24's website and social media accounts. Certain published contents were cited as the grounds for the decision.
Investigation and Access Block Decision
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Istanbul 1st Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered the blocking of access to T24's website and social media accounts. In an information note shared by the Ministry of Justice in press groups, allegations of LGBT propaganda were made regarding 118 contents published by the news organization in the past year.
Notification Process and Legal Basis
It was announced that the decision was sent to the Cyber Security Presidency for implementation. According to the information published by T24, the decision was notified by the Cyber Security Presidency via e-mail, and immediate implementation of the decision was requested following the notification.
While it was stated that the decision in question was based on the relevant article of Law No. 5651, it was noted that the initial request for an access block was rejected, but a decision to block access was made following an appeal.
Solidarity Visit from the Istanbul Bar Association
Istanbul Bar Association President Prof. Dr. İbrahim Ö. Kaboğlu and the accompanying delegation visited T24's Istanbul office to deliver a message of solidarity. Kaboğlu examined the access block decision and the petition of appeal submitted by T24's lawyers, making assessments regarding the legal process.
Emphasis on Press and Freedom of Expression
Emphasizing that press and freedom of expression and the public's right to information are under constitutional guarantee, Kaboğlu stated that a press and broadcasting organization cannot be shut down from access due to its broadcasts, and that this is contrary to the Constitution.
Kaboğlu stressed that the appeal should be evaluated and the access block should be lifted, and that the expression of different views cannot make a broadcasting organization the target of sanctions.