Turkish court orders X to block Imamoglu candidacy account

A Turkish court has ordered the social media platform X to block access to the presidential candidacy account of imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, according to a copy of the court order shared by X on Wednesday. The order, issued by an Istanbul court, requires X to restrict domestic access to Imamoglu’s account to safeguard national security and public order. X confirmed compliance with the ruling but stated it is contesting the order in court. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency by publishing the court document. X previously faced a similar directive in May 2025, when Imamoglu’s main account, once home to nearly 10 million followers, was blocked in Turkey. At that time, X also launched a legal challenge, arguing against the restrictions. The current case follows a pattern of judicial actions targeting Imamoglu’s online presence, with X maintaining that it continues to fight these orders through legal channels. The company warned that non-compliance could lead to severe consequences, including service throttling within Turkey. Imamoglu, the suspended mayor of Istanbul, remains incarcerated and faces multiple charges, including terrorism and corruption. His arrest in April 2025 triggered widespread protests, marking one of the largest demonstrations in Turkey in recent years. Prior to his detention, Imamoglu had his university degree revoked on March 18, 2025, setting the stage for his eventual arrest. His political opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made him a prominent figure in Turkish politics. Imamoglu’s trial commenced in March 2026, with prosecutors demanding a total of 2,430 years in prison. The charges against him include alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt and financial misconduct. While the trial has proceeded, Imamoglu has maintained his innocence, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated. His candidacy for president, however, has been effectively nullified due to his imprisonment and the ongoing legal proceedings. X, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has positioned itself as a champion of free speech since Musk took control in 2022. Yet, the company has drawn criticism for dismantling structured content moderation policies, raising concerns about how it balances user rights with government demands. In this instance, X appears caught between adhering to legal mandates and upholding its principles of openness and transparency. The company’s dual approach, complying with court orders while challenging them legally, reflects the complex landscape of digital governance in countries with strict regulatory environments. The broader implications of this case extend beyond Imamoglu’s personal situation. It highlights the increasing role of social media platforms in political processes and the tensions that arise when governments seek to regulate online discourse. As X continues its legal battle, the outcome could set a precedent for how tech companies navigate state requests in authoritarian contexts. Meanwhile, Imamoglu’s supporters remain hopeful that his case will eventually reach a fair resolution, though the path forward remains uncertain.