Protests and public outcry continue as Imamoglu's party condemns the ban as a political maneuver by President Erdogan's administration.
**Turkey's Move to Silence Opposition: Jailed Mayor's X Account Blocked**
**Turkey's Move to Silence Opposition: Jailed Mayor's X Account Blocked**
Authorities target Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkey's Istanbul mayor, by restricting his social media access while he remains imprisoned.
In a bold move against political dissent, Turkish authorities have blocked the social media account of jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who has emerged as a prominent opposition figure challenging President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This restriction prevents Imamoglu from engaging with his 9.7 million followers on X, although the account can still be accessed abroad. The mayor, sentenced to prison since March on corruption charges he denies, has used his social media presence as a key avenue to connect with his supporters and maintain his public relevance.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Imamoglu's political party, expressed outrage over the decision, claiming it reflects an ongoing "coup attempt," following Imamoglu's arrest which sparked unprecedented protests against the government. CHP Secretary General, Selin Sayek Boke, emphasized that the move clearly indicates the ruling party's fear of losing power as the next presidential elections draw near.
While access to his account was restricted under a legal order, users in Turkey have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the ban. A message was posted prior to the account’s restriction, in which Imamoglu urged citizens to protest against the regime’s crackdown on dissent. There’s a growing belief that the charges levied against him stem from his political activities, rather than legitimate law enforcement.
Despite his imprisonment, Imamoglu continues to command significant public support. Tens of thousands rallied in his name, responding to his call for protest on social media just hours before his account was blocked. Reports indicate that arrests linked to anti-government demonstrations have soared, with police detaining numerous individuals, including several officials from Imamoglu's party and legal representatives.
Rights organizations have criticized the escalating suppression of civil liberties in Turkey, viewing the government’s actions as strategically orchestrated to undermine potential opposition ahead of the presidential election, which is scheduled for 2028. Imamoglu, who is viewed favorably in opinion polls, has represented a significant threat to Erdogan’s grip on power and has consistently called for civic engagement and protests against state-sanctioned injustices.
The Republican People’s Party (CHP), Imamoglu's political party, expressed outrage over the decision, claiming it reflects an ongoing "coup attempt," following Imamoglu's arrest which sparked unprecedented protests against the government. CHP Secretary General, Selin Sayek Boke, emphasized that the move clearly indicates the ruling party's fear of losing power as the next presidential elections draw near.
While access to his account was restricted under a legal order, users in Turkey have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the ban. A message was posted prior to the account’s restriction, in which Imamoglu urged citizens to protest against the regime’s crackdown on dissent. There’s a growing belief that the charges levied against him stem from his political activities, rather than legitimate law enforcement.
Despite his imprisonment, Imamoglu continues to command significant public support. Tens of thousands rallied in his name, responding to his call for protest on social media just hours before his account was blocked. Reports indicate that arrests linked to anti-government demonstrations have soared, with police detaining numerous individuals, including several officials from Imamoglu's party and legal representatives.
Rights organizations have criticized the escalating suppression of civil liberties in Turkey, viewing the government’s actions as strategically orchestrated to undermine potential opposition ahead of the presidential election, which is scheduled for 2028. Imamoglu, who is viewed favorably in opinion polls, has represented a significant threat to Erdogan’s grip on power and has consistently called for civic engagement and protests against state-sanctioned injustices.
