Following two school shootings this week in Turkey, teachers protested and authorities detained 162 individuals and closed over a thousand social media accounts.
Teacher Protests Erupt After School Shootings
Trade unions called for protests after two shootings occurred in Turkish schools this week. Protesters chanted slogans including “Our profession has been stained with blood” and “Where were you when our children were dying?”
Details of the Shootings
On Wednesday, April 15th, nine people were killed and 13 injured in a shooting at a school in Kahramanmaras. Prosecutors stated on Thursday that the 14-year-old perpetrator had planned a large-scale attack, evidenced by an electronic document dated April 11th.
Previously, on Tuesday, April 14th, a 19-year-old former student opened fire at a high school in Sanliurfa, wounding 16 people.
Mass Detentions and Social Media Crackdown
A total of 162 people have been detained in connection with the violence, and over a thousand social media accounts have been closed.
Government Statement on Online Content
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that numerous accounts were found to be spreading content that could incite fear, anxiety, and panic, publicly disseminating misinformation, and glorifying crime and criminals.
Arrest Warrants Issued for Online Supporters
Turkish police previously announced the issuance of arrest warrants for 83 individuals accused of praising the recent school shootings online.
Ministry of Education Withheld Expert Recommendations
From February, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) has not published expert recommendations regarding the matter. A document obtained by Wyborcza.pl reveals a compromised agreement among authors, who admitted to disagreements.
