Access Block to bianet, 135 Web Addresses on Parliamentary Agenda

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Ankara MP Filiz Kerestecioğlu has submitted a parliamentary question Abdülhamit Gül, the Minister of Justice about the newly revealed court order of an access block for bianet and 135 other web addresses.

"Among the web addresses for which the decision of access block was given, there are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest accounts as well as news portals. This decision given upon Article 8/A of law no. 5651 caused criticism regarding the judiciary's use as a political censorship mechanism," Kerestecioğlu said, directing this question to the Minister:

What is your opinion about the great damage on freedom of expression and the press in Turkey caused by censorship on news sites, newspapers and journalists?

On what grounds access to news portals such as bianet which has been continuing its publishing life for 16 years?

Is it possible to consider the block order an independent judicial decision?

Have your ministry taken an action against the violation of İstanbul MP Ms. Oya Ersoy's basic political right with her being prevented from reaching her voters through social media?

Do you think there is media in turkey that can criticize the government and there is freedom of expression?

What is your opinion regarding the claims that you government has been worried about the dissenting power of the internet and social media? (AÖ/VK) 211448 211430 211423 211388 211403