Blogger Banned in Turkey
On Friday, October 24 2008, many were surprised because they could not access the popular Google-powered, blogging portal, Blogger. They came across the same phrase that they found when You Tube was banned about six months ago: “Access to this site has been banned by court order.”
As a Turkish citizen and blogger, I have many problems with this unnecessary censorship, but before I start to complain, let’s decrypt the situation starting with why Blogger has been banned. The first speculation was that Adnan Okyar, a Muslim creationist, had something to do with it. However, it was later understood to be infringement of a subscription-based TV platform, DigiTurk. Apparently some bloggers decided to broadcast without permission. Yes, piracy, indeed is a terrible thing, but should many pay for the stupidity of few? Especially if this is a country which defines itself as democratic?
There are a few aspects of this situation that I would like to touch upon. Number one: Banning Blogger or You Tube is a violation of rights. Number Two: It is unnecessary censorship. Number Three: Looking at the situation through an international lens, how would other countries view these ongoing bans? It is clear that Turkey’s ties with actors in the international arena are not strong. Especially in the ongoing situation with the European Union, and the accession process that seems to take centuries rather than decades. (I am not going to elaborate on this subject!) Number Four: The Minister of Transportation issued a press release saying that in order to prevent people from being hurt by the Internet, they have to be careful. It does not take one of incredible intelligence to ask the relevance of this AKP supporter man, who probably does not know what a blogger is. Number Five: A few students decided to protest this decision in Istanbul and were silenced by force. This shows the insecurity of the AKP regarding freedom of speech.
Many, including myself, are furious with this ban. This unnecessary censorship is not the first to occur and I am sure will not be the last. In conclusion, people of Turkey need to realise that their freedom is at stake. Hopefully, they will before it is too late. It starts with little things gradually building up to the loss of freedom and democracy. I think Turkey is not democratic. This is not how a secular republic should act!
