Turkish authorities probe social media ‘insults’

Turkish authorities are investigating people who allegedly insulted state officials or incited riots on social media, the deputy prime minister has said.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has faced tough international criticism over his government’s heavy-handed crackdown on the unprecedented protests that have swept the country.

But in a possible attempt to soften the blow to the country’s democratic reputation, his deputy also said the government would propose further checks on the military.

The Aksam newspaper said police had provided to Istanbul prosecutors a list of 35 names of people who had allegedly insulted Mr Erdogan or other officials on Twitter or Facebook.

Bekir Bozdag, the deputy prime minister, acknowledged the probe, but would not confirm the list.

Meanwhile, Facebook expressed concern about Turkish proposals that would require internet companies to provide user information to authorities.

Mr Erdogan branded Twitter a social “menace” for spreading lies earlier this month after many people turned to the social networking site and Facebook for information.

Many Turkish media outlets provided little coverage in the early stages of the demonstrations, likely intimidated into self- censorship by the government’s previously tough approach to journalists.

Nearly three weeks of protests were sparked by a violent police crackdown on peaceful activists on May 31, with thousands expressing discontent over what they say are Mr Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian ways.