Turkey blocks news reports on fund crisis and announces new digital security units

Turkish authorities have implemented access blocks on several news reports regarding an ongoing investigation into a capital markets “fund crisis.” According to the Freedom of Expression Association (İFÖD), content from outlets including Gazete Pencere, Evrensel, Sözcü, and Nefes was blocked under Law No. 5651, citing the protection of national security and public order.

The blocked reports specifically detailed connections between fund managers and prominent business figures, as well as the rapid wealth accumulation of individuals under investigation, such as Pusula Portföy’s Muhammed Yarız and Tera Portföy’s Erdin Özel. Journalists have characterized the removal of these articles as occurring with extreme speed.

In conjunction with these blocks, the Ministry of Justice announced the establishment of “Digital Environment Security and Disinformation Combat Bureaus” across 175 Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that these specialized units will monitor digital platforms more closely to accelerate interventions against illegal content and combat activities intended to mislead the public. Critics have noted that these new powers may overlap with existing authorities held by the Cyber Security Presidency.