Turkish justice minister flags social media as security threat

During a visit to Edirne, Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has said that issues related to social media are increasingly being treated as a matter of national security.

Gürlek stated that the government intends to tighten oversight of digital platforms, arguing that social media is increasingly becoming a source of threats linked to the spread of criminal content, fraud, and risks to public security. He said these measures will be included in a new judicial reform package, TRT Haber reports.

Addressing efforts to combat crime, the minister highlighted priorities including tackling illegal betting, online casinos, drug trafficking, corruption, and organised crime groups. He also emphasised the need to give special attention to crimes against children and cases that generate significant public concern.

He added that no criminal case would go uninvestigated and that prosecutors would operate “without regard to the status or position of the individuals involved.” He also pointed to priorities such as accelerating judicial proceedings and reducing delays in the handling of cases.

During the visit, Gürlek also announced plans to establish a Regional Administrative Court in Edirne, which he said would strengthen the effectiveness of the judicial system in the border region.

By Vafa Guliyeva