Turkish politician and Istanbul mayor under political pressure
European countries are advancing laws to restrict social media access for children, following examples set by Australia, Greece, and Turkey. The measures include age verification, bans for under 15s, and penalties for non-compliance, aiming to protect minors from online harm and addictive content. The legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
As of April 2026, multiple countries including the UK, Turkey, Australia, and others have passed or are considering laws to restrict social media access for children under 15 or 16. The UK government has committed to imposing age restrictions for under-16s following consultations, while Turkey has passed a law banning under-15s from social media accounts. Australia’s ban on under-16s began in December 2025, with other nations planning similar measures.
An Ankara appeals court has annulled the CHP's November 2023 congress, has suspended leader Özgür Özel and has provisionally reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The CHP has appealed, Özel has vowed to fight the ruling and remain at party headquarters, and markets have reacted with a sharp sell-off.
The CHP has witnessed a violent confrontation as riot police raid the party headquarters in Ankara after an appeals court nullified Ozgur Ozel’s election as party chair, replacing him with Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel and supporters have resisted inside, marching toward Parliament amid clashes and property damage during Eid al-Adha’s early hours.
A Turkish appeals court has overturned Ozgur Ozel's leadership of the CHP, reinstating Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel is rallying supporters and calling for a party congress; police have evacuated the CHP headquarters in Ankara amid protests. The move is fueling a fresh confrontation between the opposition and President Erdogan's government ahead of elections.
Deniz Goktas has been detained at Istanbul Airport after prosecutors opened an inquiry into remarks during a June stand-up show. The performer faces charges of insulting religious values and the president, with the show drawing millions of views online. Authorities say the case reflects broader limits on free expression in Turkey ahead of NATO events.