Internet services in Turkey slowed sharply on Sunday after police clashed with supporters of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Istanbul.
The throttling hit major platforms including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp for nearly 12 hours, forcing many citizens to rely on VPNs to stay connected, Euro News reported.
Internet monitor NetBlocks also confirmed the disruptions, noting that such blocks have often been imposed during moments of political tension in Turkey. Notably, the West Asian country has lifted the social media curbs as of now, and restored internet access.
Background
The restrictions began after security forces used pepper spray to break up a gathering outside the CHP’s provincial headquarters in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. Protesters had surrounded the building to block a government-appointed trustee from taking charge of the party’s local leadership.
For context, the Turkish government chose Gürsel Tekin, a former CHP leader, to head the party’s Istanbul branch. However, CHP supporters expressed anger at his appointment, as he replaced Özgür Çelik, who had won the position through an internal party election in September 2023. A court ruling last week formally ordered Çelik’s removal, citing alleged procedural irregularities.
CHP national leader Özgür Özel dismissed the ruling as “null and void”, saying Tekin had been expelled from the party. Çelik himself insisted he would not hand over the post.
Tekin, however, entered the building on Monday after a standoff, telling reporters that he was not working for the state, and would only focus on resolving CHP’s legal disputes.
Normally, when Turkey limits access to digital platforms, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) issues a public notice. However this time, no such statement was made. And the BTK’s own website did not list the social media services as restricted.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya defended the court’s ruling, saying, “The state will do what is necessary against any illegal initiative.” Later, the government banned protests across much of Istanbul.
Wider Political Context
The internet throttling comes at a tense moment for Turkish politics. Since March this year, the government has intensified pressure on the CHP, beginning with the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor and opposition presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The police arrested İmamoğlu in a dawn raid on March 19 on charges of corruption and alleged terror links. His detention triggered widespread protests across major Turkish cities beginning March 21. Authorities quickly sent İmamoğlu to Silivri prison, drawing criticism both at home and abroad.
Adding to the turmoil, critics claim that government is considering bringing back former party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to replace Özel, the current national president of the CHP.
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