Investigation launched into social media accounts praising Reina attack

Investigations have been launched into social media users who posted in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) attack on Istanbul’s Reina nightclub on Jan. 1. 

Some 20 social media accounts are currently being examined by authorities over their comments praising the ISIL militant who killed a total of 39 people and left 65 others wounded. 

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched the investigations over charges of “provoking people to hatred and enmity or humiliating them.” They will be detained later on.

Earlier, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım warned citizens to be cautious on social media, while slammed those who praised the shooting.

“I call on our citizens and our youth to avoid sharing posts that could be regarded as an offence. They should be wary of not being a tool of terrorist organizations. Some posts you share can be regarded as a crime and can get you in trouble. Acts which are hateful and venomous cannot be accepted,” he said on Jan. 3.