Turkish authorities have detained 64 people accused of making “provocative remarks” on social media in connection with two earthquakes that hit the southeast of the country a week ago, killing at least 32,000.
Of these 64 defendants, 17 have already been placed in prisons, according to Turkish security authorities, who also reported that the administrators of 531 social media accounts where the comments were made had been identified.
Turkish media reported that among those arrested are those who have given false information on social media.including one who figured three buildings in Sanliurfa had collapsed in the aftershocks of last week’s earthquakes.
After the earthquake, many citizens complained on Turkish social media about the lack of aid and the delay of rescue teams.
Last October, Turkey passed a controversial disinformation law that punishes the spread of “fake news” with prison sentences of up to three years.
This law was promptly criticized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) – as well as several international NGOs – claiming that it has vague definitions and that it could lead to “arbitrary and politically motivated actions, to the detriment of freedom of expression “.
Turkish authorities have also announced that they have shut down 46 websitesalleging that they used fraudulent means to solicit citizens for help, including requests for money by impersonating the name of official institutions.
Source: DN
