Turkey's Authorities Block Social Media Access for Jailed Opposition Mayor Imamoglu

The decision to block the X account of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu raises concerns about government suppression and civil liberties in Turkey.

In a controversial move, Turkish authorities have blocked access to the social media account of Istanbul's jailed opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, effectively silencing one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main rivals. Imamoglu, who boasts a following of 9.7 million on X, can no longer connect with supporters from within Turkey, although his account remains accessible internationally. Previously, he had been able to communicate daily with followers by relaying messages through his lawyers while incarcerated.

The Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's main opposition party, criticized the blockage as an extension of the government's repressive tactics in the wake of Imamoglu's arrest in March. CHP Secretary General Selin Sayek Boke condemned the action, asserting that it reflects the ruling party's fear of losing power ahead of future elections. Polls suggest Imamoglu would be a strong contender in a presidential race, although the next election is not scheduled until 2028.

The blockage, initiated in response to a legal demand, has incited anger and concern about the deterioration of free speech in the country. While the account remains accessible using virtual private networks, the move has stoked fears that the government is trying to erase Imamoglu from public discourse. Prosecutors are investigating a previous post by Imamoglu condemning his detention and calling for national dissent.

Supporters of Imamoglu have taken to social media, changing their profile pictures in solidarity, and protests have erupted in Istanbul, with thousands attending rallies demanding his release. Imamoglu's arrest has triggered the largest wave of anti-government demonstrations in over a decade, leading to widespread detentions of activists and citizens alike. Human rights organizations maintain that the attacks on opposition figures and civil liberties are indicative of a broader crackdown under Erdogan's regime.