Investigation into Social Media Messages About Idlib Attack

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Following the airstrike that claimed the lives of Turkey's soldiers yesterday (February 27), it has been announced that "the ones posting provocative messages on social media" are probed by the Department for Fighting Against Cyber Crimes of the Directorate General of Security.

Accordingly, 91 social media accounts were detected and proceedings were started against them as of this morning. It has been further announced that the works of examination and detection still continue.

Investigation following the probe

Later in the day today, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has announced that an investigation has been launched into the messages posted on social media following the Idlib attack.

In a written statement released by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it has been announced that "an ex officio investigation has been launched into the videos, pictures and posts allegedly featuring the soldiers martyred in the heinous attack in Syria's Idlib province and shared on social media in a provocative manner which is contrary to facts."

According to the statement, the related social media users are facing the possible charges of "inciting the public to enmity and hatred", "provoking to disobey the laws" and "propagandizing for a terrorist organization."

Social media blocked in Turkey following the attack

On the other side, the data shared by the NetBlocks internet observatory have also confirmed that Turkey has blocked access to social media platforms following the airstrike in Syria's Idlib.

As reported by netblocks.org, social platforms Twitter, Facebook and Instagram became unreachable at 11:30 p.m. local time in Turkey via national provider Türk Telekom and subsequently other leading service providers. Vodafone and Turkcell followed suit as of 12.20 a.m. yesterday.

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(AS/SD)