Turkey Twitter ban unacceptable

Ria Oomen-Ruijten MEP, Rapporteur on Turkey for the European Parliament, has strongly condemned the recent Turkish ban of Twitter: "Blocking social media is unacceptable in a functioning democracy and rule of law. I call on the Turkish Government to address this issue without delay. Turkish citizens should be able to express their opinion both offline and online."

The European Parliament already expressed its concerns about laws that limit the freedom of the internet in Turkey. "Turkey is backtracking instead of taking steps forward. Measures that limit freedom for the citizens and the press have no place in a modern society and democratic rule of law", stated Oomen-Ruijten.

The recent developments and lack of constructive dialogue between the EU and Turkey have weakened the basis of the negotiations. "I have asked the Turkish Minister for European Affairs for a full explanation."