Politics & Government

Rep. Eshoo: Let Turks Tweet!

Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statements opposing the actions of the Turkish government with regards to reports that it blocked its citizens from accessing Twitter ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for Sunday:

“By blocking its citizens from accessing Twitter, the Turkish government is infringing on their right to free expression and Internet freedom on social media,” Eshoo said. 

“Millions of people in Turkey use Twitter and other forms of social media on a daily basis to share ideas, news and their beliefs. They are tools elemental to democracy and foster political engagement. I strongly oppose the Turkish government’s restrictions on freedom of the press and stand firmly behind free expression and open use of the Internet.” 

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“At the heart of any democratic system is the right of its people to speak, express, debate, and dissent,” said Congressman Kennedy. 

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“In today's world, Twitter and other social media outlets are critical vehicles by which millions of ordinary citizens access the political process and engage their elected officials. By restricting these basic freedoms, the Turkish government is threatening the foundation its democracy rests on.”


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