Access restrictions imposed on social media accounts of numerous journalists and non-governmental organizations
While access restrictions were imposed on the social media accounts of numerous journalists, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets, simultaneous operations were conducted in various provinces.
While a wave of access restrictions targeted the social media accounts of many non-governmental organizations, members of the press, and media outlets across Turkey, numerous individuals faced judicial proceedings and arrest decisions within the scope of the 'Family Safe' operations centered in five provinces.
Restrictions Imposed on Social Media Accounts
According to information shared by the Freedom of Expression Association, access restriction decisions were implemented for many X accounts, including those of İrfan Değirmenci, Şirin Payzın, soL Haber, the Women's Coalition, and the Federation of Women's Associations of Turkey. It was noted that while some of the restricted accounts have not yet been made completely invisible from Turkey by the X platform, official blocking decisions have been made.
Phases of the Access Restriction Process
The wave of access restrictions began on September 12 with steps targeting LGBTI+ associations, organizations, and activists, and on September 13, the X accounts of LGBTI+ communities from 32 universities were also included in the restrictions. The process expanded on September 14 to encompass the accounts of Evrensel Newspaper, Amnesty International Turkey, Academics for Peace, the Media and Law Studies Association, and the Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation.
'Family Safe' Operation in Five Provinces
Within the scope of the 'Family Safe' operations carried out under the coordination of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Aydın, and Mersin, judicial proceedings were initiated against a total of 162 individuals, 9 associations, and 13 businesses. As part of the ongoing investigations, search operations were conducted at the offices of Kaos GL, LİSTAG, SPoD, Lambdaistanbul, HEVİ LGBTI+, Positive Living, and Positive Trace associations.
Judicial Processes and Arrest Decisions
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced to the public that allegations such as procuring for prostitution, production of obscene content, and exposing children to such content are being examined within the scope of the investigations. As a result of the legal proceedings, 8 people, including Kaos GL executives and journalist Tuğba Tekerek, were arrested by the Ankara 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, while some of the suspects detained in the İzmir investigation were also arrested.