Six days earlier, Turkish authorities blocked Twitter, just hours after Erdogan threatened to close it down. Authorities claimed the popular social networking site had failed to remove allegations of corruption involving senior officials as the country prepares for local elections Sunday.
While users have found different of circumventing the prohibition, including virtual private networks (VPNs) and other proxy networks, the ban has had a concrete effect.
Erdogan has long had an adversarial relationship with the blogging platform – to the extent that in one of his speeches the PM even vowed to “wipe out” Twitter and dubbed it “a scourge.”
Earlier this month, Erdogan also warned that Facebook and YouTube might be banned following Sunday’s election.
“If Twitter, YouTube or Facebook act honestly, we can give any kind of support. But if they continue efforts to break up families, they have to face the Turkish Republic’s government,” Erdogan told a throng of supporters at a rally in Istanbul on Sunday.
Twitter and other social networking sites have been major platforms to transmit alleged tapped telephone conversations which appear to substantiate corruption allegations against Erdogan’s inner circle. The revelations have forced the resignation of three ministers and a cabinet reshuffle. Erdogan claims the probe is an attempt by his political rivals to discredit his government.
Despite the scandals, opinion polls suggest that Erdogan’s AK Party will win the March 30 municipal elections, which kick off a critical 15-month voting cycle that will culminate in presidential and parliamentary contests.
Article Appeared @http://rt.com/news/twitter-sues-turkey-ban-425/