University Student Arrested Over ‘Social Media Post’

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Living in district of Marmaris in Muğla province, university student B.Ç. (20) has been arrested on charges of “propagandizing for an illegal organization” and “insulting state officials” on social media.

Home of B.Ç., who is studying at Vocational School of Tourism at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, was raided by Marmaris District Security Directorate Anti-Terror teams last morning (March 27).

Sent to court last evening, B.Ç. was arrested by Criminal Judgeship of Peace.

259 people have been prosecuted in one week

The Ministry of Interior has stated on its social media account that between the days of March 19 and March 26, 783 social media accounts have been investigated on charges including "insulting statespersons" and after their owners were identified, a legal action has been initiated against 259 of them.

"An investigation has been conducted into 783 social media accounts which have propagandized and praised a terrorist organization, openly declared that they are in relation with terrorist organizations, incited the public to enmity and hatred, insulted the state officials, targeted the indivisible integrity of the state and the life safety of people and engaged in hate speech. A legal action has been initiated against 259 people who have been identified as the owners of these social media accounts."

The Ministry of Interior previously announced on February 26 that 845 people who criticized the Afrin operation on social media and participated in critical activities had been taken into custody.

An investigation has also been launched and summary of proceedings has been prepared for seven MPs from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). (AS/TK)