ADEM ALTAN / AFP
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kahramanmaras on February 8, 2023.
INTERNATIONAL – Censorship hits Turkey three days after the terrible earthquake that killed at least 12,000 people. This Wednesday, February 8, Twitter became inaccessible on the main Turkish mobile phone providers, amid growing online criticism of the government’s response to the earthquake that affected the country and Syria.
AFP journalists were unable to access this social network in Turkey. Internet governance watchdog netblocks.org pointed out that access to Twitter was restricted “ through several internet providers in Turkey ». “Turkey has a long history of restrictions with social media during national emergencies and security incidents”added the organization.
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⚠️ Confirmed: Real-time network data show Twitter has been restricted in #Turkey; the filtering is applied on major… https://t.co/r74YlH1nvZ
— NetBlocks (@netblocks)
In recent days, social media has been flooded with messages from people complaining about a lack of rescue efforts and searches for victims in their areas, especially in Hatay.
The main opposition leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, also criticized the slow arrival of help, reports the BBC. “If there is a responsible person, it is Erdogan”, did he declare. 12 people were arrested by the police after the criticism against the government.
Rescuers still at work
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who traveled to Kahramanmaras in the province of Hatay (south), one of the most affected located on the Syrian border, recognized shortcomings in the response to the earthquake. “Of course there are shortcomings, it is impossible to be prepared for such a disaster”conceded the Head of State to the press.
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“A few dishonest and dishonorable people have published false statements such as ‘we did not see any soldiers or police'” in the province of Hatay, however denounced Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Our soldiers and our police are honorable people. We’re not going to let disreputable people talk about them that way.” he launched.
Turkish officials made no immediate statement about the service disruption. But they had repeatedly warned against spreading disinformation ahead of the crucial May 14 election, in which Turkey’s president is seeking another term after 20 years in power.
Rescuers still manage to find survivors in the rubble on Wednesday, even if the chances of survival are dwindling, two days after the terrible earthquake, the toll of which continues to increase.
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