Ex officio investigation launched into content shared to incite fear and panic among the public

In a statement issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was noted: "Our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is closely monitoring news and posts published through certain media outlets, social media, and digital platforms regarding the tragic incidents that occurred in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa, which are causing anxiety, fear, and panic among the public."

It has been determined that the content and posts in question contain expressions praising the perpetrators of these tragic incidents, provide guidance inciting the commission of crimes in various educational institutions, and include posts of a nature that could clearly and imminently endanger public order. Furthermore, it has been established that, beyond official statements made by authorized institutions and organizations, information containing disinformation and untruths intended to cause fear and panic among the public is being deliberately circulated.

In this context, investigations and 'virtual patrol' activities are being carried out without interruption in coordination with relevant law enforcement units to identify the individuals and accounts that create, disseminate, or facilitate such content. All necessary judicial procedures, including detention and search operations, will be implemented immediately and decisively regarding posts that constitute a crime. An ex officio investigation has been launched by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the specified actions under Articles 213, 214, 215, and 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code and in accordance with Article 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multi-faceted manner," the statement concluded.