Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has filed lawsuits against aides to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in connection with a Twitter operation that was launched in the country shortly after the earthquakes. The move is part of a broader effort to question actions taken during the disaster response and to examine the role of social media in crisis communication.
The Twitter initiative in Turkey faced a temporary suspension on February 9 because of a flood of potentially misleading messages about the earthquakes. The CHP argues that halting the platform at a moment when people are trapped under rubble and rescue teams are working could hinder critical information flow and obstruct the public’s ability to obtain timely, reliable updates. The party characterizes the shutdown as an unfair measure that disrupts a vital conduit for those affected and for the volunteers and responders assisting them.
The lawsuits name Fahrettin Altun, who leads the Communications Directorate, and Adil Karaysmailoğlu, the head of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, as the key officials involved. Both are noted as close aides to the president. The CHP’s legal action signals a broader political contest over the management of information during a national emergency and highlights ongoing debates about the balance between security, public safety, and freedom of digital platforms in the crisis context.
In related developments, commentary from online communities and public figures connected to the affected regions has highlighted the dramatic generosity of donors and the rapid mobilization of support. One prominent online broadcaster and influencer used his platform to coordinate a fundraising drive intended to aid those affected in Turkey and neighboring Syria, with substantial contributions flowing in over a short period. The rapid fundraising efforts underscore how digital networks can mobilize relief resources and raise awareness in the aftermath of a disaster. These efforts also illustrate the diverse ways the public engages with humanitarian crises, from direct aid campaigns to volunteer coordination and information sharing, all shaped by the evolving media landscape during emergencies.