Turkey Censors Jailed Opposition Mayor by Blocking Social Media Account

This act of censorship against Imamoglu, a primary challenger to President Erdogan, has sparked widespread protests and accusations of political repression across Turkey.

Access to the X account of Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, has been blocked, emphasizing the Turkish government’s ongoing efforts to silence opposition voices. This action follows Imamoglu's arrest earlier this year on corruption charges, which he has persistently denied and condemned as politically motivated. His account, integral for communicating with supporters, remains accessible outside Turkey but is now inactive at home following a legal demand from authorities.

Imamoglu's Republican People's Party (CHP) denounced the block, framing it as a continuation of a “coup attempt” aimed at undermining dissent against the government ahead of the next presidential election in 2028. CHP Secretary General Selin Sayek Boke remarked on the administration's fear of losing power, stating, "Now they won't even allow him to speak to the public." Despite being behind bars in Marmara high-security prison since March, Imamoglu urged his followers to protest against his arrest, leading to massive demonstrations in Istanbul. However, many participants were arrested during the rallies, reflecting the government's growing crackdown on civil society and dissent.

As human rights groups alarmingly highlight the increasing suppression of opposing voices, notable analysts observe that Elon Musk’s platform ultimately acquiesced to Erdogan's wishes, branding the decision as a silencing of Turkey's most prominent opposition leader.