Elon Musk faces backlash after X complies with Turkey’s requests to block 126 accounts, including journalists and media outlets. This decision has drawn criticism from rights groups, highlighting the platform’s role in curbing freedom of expression in Turkey. Notable figures like Hayko Bagdat underscore the broader implications of censorship and authoritarianism fueled by social media compliance.
Elon Musk, owner and executive chairman of X, has faced severe criticism following the platform’s compliance with a Turkish government request to block numerous accounts. This list includes significant journalists and media outlets, as reported by Turkish freedom of expression organization IFOD. The Ankara court authorized the blocking of 126 accounts citing the need to protect national security and public order. Those targeted predominantly include individuals affiliated with the Gulenist movement and various left-leaning and pro-Kurdish groups.
Prominent media outlets impacted by this decision include the leftist Arti Gercek and Yeni Yasam, as well as the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya News Agency and the women-focused Jin News. Journalists affected consist of Hayko Bagdat, who has over one million followers and has been based in Berlin due to safety threats in Turkey, and Metin Cihan, known for reporting on Turkey’s trade relations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Hayko Bagdat remarked on the alarming rise of authoritarianism purportedly enabled by influential figures such as Musk. He emphasized that platforms like X have allowed Turkish dissidents to remain connected even from abroad, a situation that reportedly troubles the Turkish government. Bagdat lamented his account’s closure despite his significant following and long-standing activity on the platform, stating, “In a world where a figure like Elon Musk is influential, we need to repeatedly discuss the concept of freedom of expression.”
Musk has branded himself a “free speech absolutist,” yet since acquiring X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, he has overseen a notable increase in government content removal requests. Transparency reports indicate that X complied with 71 percent of legal removal requests received in the first half of 2024, showing a sharp rise in compliance compared to previous years. Particularly concerning for Turkey, this report noted X’s action on 68 percent of the 9,364 requests made by the Turkish government in the same timeframe.
Yaman Akdeniz, founder of IFOD, expressed dismay at Musk’s management, stating that X has become an instrument for law enforcement agencies in Turkey. He noted, “Under previous management, Twitter would challenge censorship decisions… recent developments indicate that Elon Musk’s X platform has effectively become the long arm of the law enforcement agencies in Turkey.”
Turkey has long been criticized for its treatment of journalists, frequently labeled as the world’s worst jailer of journalists. As of January, the Media and Law Studies Association reported at least 30 media personnel imprisoned and four under house arrest. Furthermore, ongoing trials related to freedom of expression have involved nearly 2,000 defendants, among whom 366 are journalists. This systemic crackdown intensified following the 2016 coup attempt, with recent investigations against organizations like the Istanbul bar association for alleged political propaganda linked to Kurdish groups.
As current events unfold, Bagdat expressed concerns over the continued attacks on dissenting voices in Turkey, highlighting the implications of international dynamics, particularly the situation in Syria, that further endanger critical perspectives regarding Kurdish issues. He stated, “the Erdogan regime continues to attack opponents every day with new court rulings and police pressures to permanently silence democratic and equality pursuits.”
The actions of Elon Musk and X in acquiescing to Turkish censorship requests have sparked significant condemnation from rights organizations and journalists alike. The blocking of numerous accounts, particularly those of journalists and critical media outlets, raises profound concerns regarding freedom of expression. As the landscape of media suppression worsens in Turkey, the responsibilities of influential figures like Musk need careful scrutiny. Furthermore, ongoing repressive measures against journalists render Turkey’s commitment to democratic principles and free expression increasingly questionable.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
