Social media debate: 'Let them watch TV series, we'll make history,' says Erdoğan

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A new argument has started between the ruling party and the opposition after President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that his party would submit a bill to "entirely close or control social media." 

After insults on Twitter against the family of Berat Albayrak, the finance minister and his son-in-law, Erdoğan remarked yesterday (July 1) that "Now do you understand why we are against social medias such as YouTube, Twitter, Netflix? To eliminate these immoralities. We want these environments to be regulated." 

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İYİ (Good) Party Chair Merak Akşener was the first to respond to Erdoğan on Twitter, saying, "If you shut down Netflix before I finish the last season of Dark, I would be really offended, Mr. Erdoğan."

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the chair of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) quoted his ally's tweet, warning her that the President might "give spoilers" because of his anger.

"We have been waiting for the last season of Le Casa de Papel," said Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Pervin Buldan in response to the CHP Chair's tweet.

Aman Meral Hanım, şimdi hırsından spoiler verir:) https://t.co/ImvTTKb9Mv

— Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu (@kilicdarogluk) July 1, 2020

Erdoğan then took to Twitter and said, "Let them watch and shoot series, movies. We will continue to serve and write history."

Akşener wasn't late to answer the president. "Are you sure, Mr. Erdoğan?" she asked, sharing a picture of him during the shooting of "Diriliş Ertuğrul," a TV series on the state broadcaster about the founding of the Ottoman Empire.

Emin misin Sayın @RTErdogan? https://t.co/sEjkskebqF pic.twitter.com/zytL2V1QAz

— Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) July 1, 2020

Communications director: Erdoğan's words are distorted

After Erdoğan's remarks on social media drew criticism, the Presidency's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun released a statement yesterday, saying that his words were "distorted."

Erdoğan's words were "taken out of context and presented in an oppressive form," he claimed, adding that Erdoğan fought antidemocratic elements throughout his life.

"Some social media platforms are usurping citizens' rights. The social media platforms in question do not contribute to the protection of citizens' rights in matters that are considered crimes by the laws such as sexual abuse, obscenity, gambling, fraud, incitement to crime, terrorist propaganda and insults," he said.

What Erdoğan said was the necessity of making legislation about these matters, Altun noted. (EKN/VK)