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Turkish Government Considers Banning Social Media Networks

Turkish Prime Minister has warned that his government could ban social media networks – YouTube and Facebook – after a number of online leaks added … Continue reading Turkish Government Considers Banning Social Media Networks


Recep-Tayyip-ErdoganTurkish Prime Minister has warned that his government could ban social media networks – YouTube and Facebook – after a number of online leaks added momentum to a growing corruption scandal.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already tightened his government’s grip over the internet, generating criticism at home and abroad about rights in the country.

“There are new steps we will take in that sphere after March 30 . . . including a ban on YouTube, Facebook, ” Erdogan told Private ATV television in an interview late on Thursday.

His ruling Justice and Development Party or AK Party, has come under mounting pressure since last week, when audio recordings were leaked in which Erdogan and his son allegedly discuss how to hide vast sums of money.

He dismissed them as a “vile” and “immoral” montage by rivals in the lead-up to crucial local elections on March 30.

A series of other online leaks showed Erdogan meddling in trade deals and court cases.

He has accused loyalists of Fethullah Gulen, an influential Muslim leader based in the US, of using his influence in the judiciary and police to engineer a high – level corruption investigation targeting the government since mid-December.

Gulen denies the charge.