Turkish Authorities Crack Down on Social Media Praise Following School Shootings

Thu Apr 16 2026 14:41:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In response to recent school shootings in Turkey, police have initiated the arrest of 83 individuals for posting supportive content online about the incidents, raising concerns over free speech and public safety.

Following two deadly school shootings in Turkey that resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, police have ordered the arrest of 83 people accused of glorifying these violent acts on social media. The crackdown also includes blocking access to hundreds of social media accounts and shutting down numerous Telegram groups. These actions have sparked debates over the limits of free expression in the wake of tragic events.

Turkish police have taken significant action against online support of recent violent acts by ordering the arrest of 83 individuals suspected of praising deadly school shootings that occurred earlier this week. According to police reports, these arrests are part of a broader effort to maintain public order and discourage behavior seen as endorsing criminal acts.

Authorities stated that the arrested individuals were found to be engaging in social media posts that praised crime and negatively impacted public sentiment. In addition to these arrests, police have blocked access to 940 social media profiles associated with these activities and closed down 93 Telegram groups.

The police's move comes in the wake of a tragic double shooting in southern Turkey that left at least nine people dead, including eight students and one teacher at Ayser Calik Secondary School in Kahramanmaras. The preceding day, another school shooting in the southeastern part of Turkey left 16 injured.

Local prosecutors revealed that the shooter, a 14-year-old boy, was found dead at the scene. He was reportedly armed with several guns and had planned the violent act meticulously, referencing a notorious American mass killer in digital communications.

Debate surrounds the fine line between protecting public order and preserving freedom of speech, especially in the aftermath of such tragedies. The Turkish government’s actions reflect a growing concern regarding the influence of social media in shaping narratives around criminal behavior and violence.

As funerals were held for the victims, questions linger over what measures should be taken to prevent further incidents and how society should respond to expressions of violence online.