Internet activist group warns Turkish government about censorship

Internet activist group warns Turkish government about censorship
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
ISTANBUL- Daily News with wires

Anonymous, an online activist group consisting of anonymous members from all over the world, has warned the Turkish government of action against it ahead of the implementation of a planned Internet filter.

The ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, government plans to implement a filter on Internet browsing on Aug. 22 on the grounds of protecting the youth from "harmful elements on the web." Critics argue that the filter will pave the way for wide-spread censorship.

Anonymous said Tuesday that the government was violating basic human rights and freedoms and that they would "take action against the institutions that apply censorship."

The message from Anonymous reads as follows:

"Merhaba T?rkiye,

?Over the last few years, we have seen how the Turkish government has tightened its grip on the Internet. It has blocked thousands of websites and blogs while abusive legal proceedings against online journalists persist. The government now wants to impose a new filtering system on the 22nd of August that will make it possible to keep records of everyone?s Internet activity.

?Though it remains opaque why and how the system will be put in place. It is clear that the government is taking censorship to the next level.

?These acts are inexcusable. Accessing and participating in the free flow of information is a basic human right. Anonymous will not stand by while the Turkish government violates this right. We will bring our supporters to circumvent censorship and retaliate against organizations imposing censorship.

?Hundreds of thousands of people have protested against Internet censorship but AKP government ignored the voice of the people and violently oppressed the protesters.

?We call on all Internet users worldwide to support freedom of speech by pushing the Turkish government to stop these foolish policies. The free flow of information won?t be stopped. Sharing of knowledge won?t be stopped. It is time to fight for our rights and stand up for what we believe in.

?We are Anonymous.

?We are Legion.

?We do not Forgive.

?We do not Forget.

?Expect us.?

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nphp?n=internet-activist-group-warns-turkish-government-2011-06-07