Access to İmamoğlu’s X Account Blocked in Türkiye Following Legal Request
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s X account
Türkiye Restricts Access to Imprisoned CHP Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu’s X Account
As of midnight on May 8, Türkiye blocked access to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the jailed Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor and CHP’s presidential candidate. A notice now appears on his profile stating: “Access to @ekrem_imamoglu has been restricted within the borders of Türkiye in response to a legal request.”
İmamoğlu Used X to Communicate from Prison
Since his arrest and imprisonment, İmamoğlu had regularly used X to share messages, political statements, and updates with his supporters. His final post before the restriction promoted a CHP rally at Beyazıt Square, with the message:
“We’ll meet tonight at 8:30 PM in Beyazıt Square. Bring your diploma.”
This phrase was interpreted as a symbolic reference to educational integrity, resonating with political tensions in the country.
Background: İmamoğlu Arrested on Corruption and Organized Crime Charges
İmamoğlu was detained on March 19 as part of a ‘terror and corruption’ investigation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). He was formally arrested on March 23 over allegations of tender rigging, illegal data collection, bribery, and forming a criminal organization.
Following his detention, the Interior Ministry suspended him from his mayoral duties. İmamoğlu also serves as the head of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) and had been officially announced as a CHP presidential candidate through primary elections.
Censorship Raises Concerns Ahead of Elections
The move to restrict İmamoğlu’s social media presence comes amid mounting political tensions and ongoing electoral campaigning. Rights groups and opposition figures have expressed concern that blocking a presidential candidate’s communication channel could affect democratic transparency in the run-up to elections.
