Türkiye orders 83 arrests over online praise for school shootings

ISTANBUL

Turkish authorities have ordered the arrest of 83 suspects and blocked 940 social media accounts as part of a sweeping investigation into online content praising and spreading disinformation about recent school attacks in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa.

Officials identified 591 accounts that produced deliberate disinformation, while 66 Telegram URLs were flagged for content removal and access restrictions, local media reported on April 16.

They also shut down 93 Telegram groups linked to provocative and harmful posts.

Interior Ministry officials said efforts to combat online provocation and disinformation are continuing “with determination,” stressing that those who glorify violence or exploit the incidents will face legal consequences.

The Justice Ministry also confirmed that digital activities related to the attacks are being closely monitored, with coordination established among 171 chief public prosecutor’s offices across all 81 provinces.

 Istanbul school targeted in online threats

In Istanbul, prosecutors launched a separate investigation after messages circulated on Telegram naming a school in the Üsküdar district as a potential target.

Authorities detained six minors suspected of making threats “with the intent of creating fear and panic among the public.”

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said officials are taking action against posts that name specific schools and aim to create fear and panic. “Such a tragedy cannot be exploited,” he said, adding that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.

The investigation also uncovered activity within a large Telegram group known as “C31K,” which had around 100,000 members before being shut down.

The group allegedly shared footage of the attacks, praised perpetrators and even discussed potential future assaults, including time and location details.