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The social media account used by the campaign of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the presidential candidate from the CHP and current Mayor of Istanbul, has been blocked by Turkish authorities for the third time, raising concerns about freedom of expression during the election period. Despite repeated attempts to circumvent the restrictions, the account continues to face censorship.
The account, designated as the “Presidential Candidate Office,” has been repeatedly targeted, with previous iterations – “CBAdayOfisi” and “CBAdayOfisi1” – also being blocked for the same stated reasons. Most recently, the “CBAdayOfisi11” account was disabled.
Blocking Decisions Cites National Security
According to information provided by EngelWeb, the blocking decisions were made by the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK), citing the need to protect “national security and public order” under existing legislation. The rationale behind these decisions remains opaque, fueling speculation about the government’s motivations.
This pattern of blocking raises questions about the extent to which the Turkish government is willing to restrict access to information during a critical election cycle. While authorities maintain the blocks are necessary for security, critics argue they represent a deliberate effort to stifle dissent and limit the opposition’s ability to reach voters.
Campaign Adapts with New Username
In response to the latest block, the campaign swiftly adapted, changing the account username to @CBAdayOfisi22. The account is currently accessible under this new handle, allowing İmamoğlu’s team to continue sharing updates and engaging with supporters.
This cat-and-mouse game highlights the campaign’s resilience and determination to bypass censorship. However, the repeated blocking also underscores the challenges faced by opposition voices in Turkey’s digital landscape. The ongoing situation warrants close monitoring as the election draws nearer, and the implications for democratic processes are significant.
