X says Turkish court ordered block of Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu’s candidacy account

X announced Tuesday that it has implemented a Turkish court order blocking access within Turkey to the X account operated by the presidential campaign office of Ekrem Imamoglu, the jailed mayor of Istanbul and leading opposition figure. The social media platform stated it followed Turkish law in carrying out the restriction but simultaneously filed legal challenges against the ruling. According to a copy of the court order shared by X, an Istanbul court determined that restricting access to the account, home to approximately 225,700 followers, was necessary to safeguard national security and public order. The account in question belongs to Imamoglu's campaign team and serves as a central hub for communication related to his bid for the presidency. Imamoglu, who is currently held in custody, faces multiple charges including corruption, espionage, and terrorism, which he has consistently denied. His detention on March 19, 2025, sparked widespread unrest, marking one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Turkey in over a decade. Despite being incarcerated, Imamoglu was selected as the presidential candidate of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the country’s primary opposition force, following an internal party vote shortly after his arrest. The court’s latest action follows a previous order issued in May 2025, which led to the blocking of Imamoglu’s personal X account, which had amassed nearly 10 million followers. At that time, X similarly challenged the decision in court, asserting its commitment to defending free expression while adhering to applicable local regulations. This pattern reflects ongoing tensions between the platform and Turkish authorities, particularly under the leadership of Elon Musk, who has positioned X as a champion of free speech globally. Imamoglu’s legal troubles began with the annulment of his university diploma by Istanbul University just days prior to his arrest. Under Turkish electoral law, holding a university degree is a prerequisite for running in presidential elections. The revocation of his credentials, which occurred amid heightened scrutiny of his activities, raised questions about whether it was a direct consequence of his political status or part of a broader effort to disqualify him from the race. The court’s rationale for the current block appears rooted in concerns over national security and public order, though specific evidence cited in the ruling has not been disclosed publicly. X’s compliance with the order highlights the complex balance it must maintain between respecting local laws and advocating for open discourse. The company has previously emphasized its willingness to contest rulings it deems unjust, often pursuing legal avenues to challenge such decisions. Imamoglu’s supporters have criticized the court’s actions as politically motivated, arguing they represent an attempt to suppress dissent and limit the visibility of opposition voices. Meanwhile, the CHP continues to back Imamoglu’s candidacy, framing his imprisonment as an affront to democratic principles. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of X’s ongoing challenges could set a precedent for how foreign platforms navigate domestic legal pressures in Turkey. As the situation unfolds, attention will remain focused on the legal battles between X and Turkish courts, as well as the potential implications for free speech and political engagement in the country. The case underscores the growing intersection between digital platforms, state authority, and the rights of individuals to participate in public discourse. The next steps involve monitoring the progress of X’s appeals and assessing how the Turkish judiciary responds to international pressure and domestic criticism.