Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office Investigates 'We Will Set an Example for Young Transgender Children' Video

Quick summary

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into incitement to hatred and enmity over a video about trans children posted on an Instagram account named 'CHAKMA'. The investigation is being conducted on two separate tracks aimed at identifying the account holder and blocking access to the content.

Why it matters

The application of Turkish Penal Code Article 216 to social media content in Turkey is becoming increasingly widespread; this investigation demonstrates the legal consequences of content shared on social networks on sensitive issues. The fact that the Information and Communication Technologies Authority has received a request to block access to the account indicates intensifying content regulation on digital platforms.

Key takeaways

• ›Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into the owner of @grupchakma account under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code on charges of 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility.'
• ›The prosecutor's office assessed that the video negatively affects the development of children and contains an attack on society's ethical values.
• ›The investigation is being conducted on two separate fronts: identifying the account owner and blocking access to the content.
• ›The request for access restriction has been transmitted to the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK).