Sour Dictionary Call From USA

The US Department of State issued a statement emphasizing the importance of free speech regarding the blocking of access to Ekşi Sözlük by the Supreme Radio and Television Council (RTÜK) for reasons of “security protection national and public order”.

Speaking to VOA Turkey, the ministry spokesperson opined that, “As we have said many times before, the freedom of expression of journalists and of people with controversial or offensive statements always strengthens democracy and (this freedom) must be protected.” . .”

“We urge our partners to refrain from prosecuting, fining TV channels, blocking websites, suppressing the sharing of critical information, or other actions that may have the effect of promoting censorship and self-censorship,” the ministry said in a statement. a written statement.

RTÜK announced several sanctions on Tele1, Halk TV and Fox TV the day before for their earthquake broadcasts. The Information and Communications Technology Authority (BTK) also blocked access to the Ekşi Sözlük website, a dictionary-based discussion forum.

BTK has announced that it has made the decision to block in accordance with article 8/a of law number 5651. This article refers to the sanction for the protection of national security and public order.

The US State Department had previously made statements about free speech and press freedom in Turkey.