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Turkey Blocks Jailed Opposition Leader Ekrem Imamoglu's X Account

The account, restricted under national security laws, remains accessible abroad as X and Imamoglu's lawyers challenge the court order.

Overview

  • Ekrem Imamoglu, a jailed opposition leader and Istanbul mayor, had his X account blocked in Turkey under Article 8/A of Law No. 5651, citing national security and public order concerns.
  • X complied with the Turkish court order but has filed a legal challenge, arguing the move contradicts free expression and due process principles.
  • Imamoglu's lawyers have also objected to the court decision, submitting extensive documentation to contest the restriction.
  • The account block follows Imamoglu's March arrest on contested corruption charges, widely seen as politically motivated, which has sparked protests and criticism of democratic backsliding.
  • Supporters have shown solidarity through mass rallies and online actions, including replacing profile pictures with Imamoglu's image and sharing his posts.