X gives in to Turkey's request, restricts jailed mayor's account

Apnews - May 8th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Access to the social media account of imprisoned Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on platform X has been blocked in Turkey, following a legal request by Turkish authorities who cited national security and public order concerns. This development is the latest in a series of actions against Imamoglu, a prominent political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The decision to restrict Imamoglu’s account, which boasts 9.7 million followers, is a significant move as it limits his ability to communicate with the public while he is detained on corruption charges. Lawyer Gonenc Gurkaynak, representing X in Turkey, has filed an appeal against the court’s decision, arguing against the restriction and supplying a comprehensive set of documents to support the appeal.

The Turkish presidency's Center for Countering Disinformation justified the account restriction by alleging that a post by Imamoglu incited criminal activity. This action has been criticized by opposition politicians as an attack on free speech, reflecting broader concerns about democratic backsliding under Erdogan’s administration. Imamoglu, a key figure in the opposition and the Republican People's Party's presidential candidate, was arrested in March on charges perceived internationally as politically motivated. His detention has sparked protests, underscoring ongoing tensions in Turkey’s political landscape and raising questions about the independence of the country’s judiciary.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a significant and timely issue involving the restriction of a prominent political figure's social media account in Turkey. It scores well on accuracy, with credible sources and a clear presentation of the facts. However, the story could benefit from more balanced perspectives and greater transparency regarding the legal and political context. The topic's relevance to public interest and potential impact on discussions about democracy and free speech are strong points, while the inherent controversy ensures engagement and debate. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, but additional context and viewpoints would enhance its depth and balance.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article reports on the restriction of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's social media account in Turkey, citing legal requests by Turkish authorities due to national security and public order concerns. This claim aligns with reports from sources like Engelli Web, which tracks internet censorship. The article accurately mentions the legal appeal filed by Imamoglu's lawyer, consistent with other reports. However, the political motivation behind Imamoglu's arrest and account blockage is presented as widely viewed but lacks direct evidence or official statements, requiring further verification. The story's factual accuracy is generally high, but some claims, particularly regarding political motivations, need more substantiation.

7
Balance

The article presents the situation primarily from the perspective of opposition figures and critics of the Erdogan administration, highlighting concerns over free speech and political motivations. While it mentions the government's stance that the judiciary is independent, it does not provide a detailed view from Turkish authorities or supporters of the decision, potentially leading to an imbalance. Including more perspectives from government officials or legal experts could enhance the balance by providing a fuller picture of the events and decisions involved.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main events and claims. The language is clear and neutral, making the story accessible to a broad audience. However, some sections could benefit from additional context, such as the specific nature of the legal charges against Imamoglu and the broader political landscape in Turkey. These additions would improve comprehension and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, such as Engelli Web, known for tracking internet censorship, and includes comments from a lawyer representing X in Turkey. These sources lend reliability to the reported facts. However, the story could benefit from direct quotes or statements from Turkish authorities or additional legal experts to strengthen source variety and authority. Overall, the sources used are credible, but expanding the range of voices would improve the depth of reporting.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the events and mentions the legal basis for the account restriction. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the legal process or the specific content deemed inciting by authorities. Greater transparency about the methodology behind claims of political motivation and the legal appeal process would enhance understanding. The story could also disclose more about the sources of its information, such as how the data from Engelli Web was obtained.

Sources

  1. https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/x-account-of-former-istanbul-mayor-blocked-for-inciting-crime/news
  2. https://www.politico.eu/article/x-blocks-account-of-turkish-opposition-leader/
  3. https://themedialine.org/mideast-daily-news/erdogan-rivals-x-account-blocked-following-corruption-arrest/
  4. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-blocks-erdogan-rival-imamoglus-x-account
  5. https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/05/08/access-to-jailed-istanbul-mayors-x-account-blocked/