Social media controversies and investigations in Turkey

A social media video featuring a young woman in a headscarf sparked significant backlash in Turkey after being shared with the caption, “The day I stayed at my boyfriend's, my father called.” Critics argued the content contradicted societal values, leading some users to call for an official investigation by the Ministry of Interior.

Following subsequent viral content involving violent threats against Muslims, women wearing headscarves, children, and animals, Turkish authorities detained a 16-year-old individual identified as M. F. Ç. Although the suspect reportedly used a VPN and voice-altering technology to hide their identity, the Cyber Crimes Department identified them through technical investigations.

Recent developments have identified the suspect as 15-year-old Muhammed Furkan Çelik. Law enforcement investigations centered in Istanbul and Bursa led to his arrest while he was receiving psychiatric treatment at the Bursa Yücsek İhtisas Hospital. The original videos featured a masked individual making extreme threats against women, children, mosques, and martyrs.

Following the arrest, new threatening videos have been circulated by online groups attempting to support Çelik, including threats of attacks on schools and religious sites. Public outrage continues as investigations proceed to determine if other individuals are connected to the suspect.