Turkey Blocks Access to Jailed Mayor's Social Media Amid Political Tensions

Access to the social media account of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been blocked in Turkey, sources confirmed on Thursday. This action marks another significant move in the ongoing political tensions between Imamoglu, a major opposition figure, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Engelli Web, a Turkish internet censorship watchdog, reported that the decision by X to restrict Imamoglu's account was in response to a legal request by Turkish authorities, citing concerns over national security and public order. A notice on the platform indicates the account's restricted status within Turkey although it remains accessible externally.

Gonenc Gurkaynak, a lawyer for X in Turkey, has appealed the decision, submitting an extensive petition to the courts. Meanwhile, the Turkish presidency's Centre for Countering Disinformation claims the restriction followed an investigation into alleged incitement by Imamoglu while he is detained on politically contentious corruption charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)