US urges Turkey to unblock access to social media

Acting Spokesperson Marie Harf statement re social media bans in Turkey:

·        The United States supports freedom of expression in Turkey and opposes any action to encroach on the right to free speech. An independent and unfettered media is an essential element of democratic, open societies.

·        We urge the Government of Turkey to unblock its citizens’ access to Twitter and YouTube and ensure free access to all social media platforms.

·        Freedom of expression is a key element in every healthy democracy and is enshrined in the Turkish constitution and OSCE agreements.