Afrin-Related Detention Tally: 474 on Social Media, 192 on the Street

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The Ministry of the Interior Media and Public Relations Department has announced that 474 people who have made social media posts on the Olive Branch offensive have been detained.

"474 individuals who have, at some point since the beginning of the Olive Branch offensive, engaged in terrorist propaganda aimed at the offensive through social media, as well as 192 individuals who have participated in protests, hence a total of 666 individuals have been detained," read the announcement on the Ministry's official webpage today (February 12).

The statement also mentioned legal action concerning 243 people identified through social media:

"655 social media accounts engaging in terrorist organization propaganda, glorifying these organizations, explicitly declaring adherence to terrorist organizations, provoking the public to hatred and hostility, insulting government figures, making attempts against the indivisible unity of the state and the safety of society, and featuring hate speech have been examined, with legal action taken against 243 individuals identified."

At least 34 of those who have posted on social media between the operation's start date of January 20, 2017 and February 1 have been arrested. (AS/PU)