- The earthquake slammed the region early Monday.
- The four people were arrested after detectives discovered accounts that published “provocative” posts.
- People on Turkish social media have been complaining about a lack of search.
Following a major 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey, Turkish police detained four people on Tuesday for “provocative” social media posts.
The earthquake slammed the region early Monday, killing over 5000 people in Turkiye and Syria, wounding hundreds more, and leaving many more without shelter in the harsh cold.
The four people were arrested after detectives discovered accounts that published “provocative posts aimed at instilling fear and terror,” according to the police.
It also stated that a larger investigation into social media accounts was ongoing, but provided no information about the posts’ content.
People on Turkish social media have been complaining about a lack of search and rescue activities in their area, particularly in Hatay.
On Tuesday, the police appeared to address such allegations.
“The address and location information of citizens who seek help is immediately ascertained and coordination is established,” they said.
Turkish authorities have in the last few years cracked down on social media posts, especially those considered to support “terror”, but this has led to accusations that freedom of expression has been curtailed.
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