Turkish court blocks access to alternative website of popular social network Ekşi Sözlük

A Turkish court has blocked access to the alternative website of popular social network Ekşi Sözlük on the grounds of national security and protection of public order.

Duvar English

An Ankara court on Dec. 14 once again blocked access to popular social network Ekşi Sözlük.

Ankara 6th Criminal Court of Peace cited “national security and protection of public order” as the reason for the block, freedom of expression organization EngelliWeb reported.

The Ankara 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace had on Feb. 22 ruled for a ban on Ekşi Sözlük's website following an application by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). The decision was based on posts criticizing the government with regards to its response to the earthquakes.

The network then started using ‘eksisozluk2023.com’ as its new domain, which was also blocked to access on May 13.

The Ankara 6th Criminal Court of Peace on Dec. 14 blocked access to ‘http://eksisozluk1923.com’ domain of the network. 

Journalist İsmail Saymaz previously reported that the decision to block access to Ekşi Sözlük was requested by the Turkish Presidency.

Erdoğan leads in presidential race, outperforms expectations Google excessively recommends pro-government media outlets Half of Turkish men own gun, says foundation THY dismisses pilot for opposing regulation on praying in cockpit Turkey lifts visa requirement for six countries Family left homeless after landlord increases rent by five-fold