Statement of Commissioner Štefan Füle on the blocking of Twitter in Turkey

European Commission

Statement

Brussels, 21 March 2014

Statement of Commissioner Štefan Füle on the blocking of Twitter in Turkey

Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy issued this statement:

"The ban on the social platform Twitter.com in Turkey raises grave concerns and casts doubt on Turkey's stated commitment to European values and standards.

Freedom of expression, a fundamental right in any democratic society, includes the right to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority. Citizens must be free to communicate and choose freely the means to do it. This obviously includes access to the internet.

Open debate promotes transparency and accountability and ultimately reinforces democracy; such debate needs to be strengthened everywhere, including in Turkey."