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Turkey's prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan vows to go after Twitter

Turkey's prime minister said he will "go after" Twitter, accusing the site of tax-evasion, after it was used to spread damaging leaks implicating his inner circle in corruption claims.

AFP

Turkey's prime minister said yesterday he will "go after" Twitter, accusing the site of tax-evasion, after it was used to spread damaging leaks implicating his inner circle in corruption claims.

In a televised speech, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also launched a tirade against the nation's highest court for ruling against a ban on Twitter, charging that it put the rights of businesses above that of Turkey's.

"Twitter, YouTube and Facebook are international companies established for profit and making money," Erdogan said. "Twitter is at the same time a tax evader. We will go after it," he added.

Erdogan's government on March 20 banned access to the social media site over the leaks, sparking outrage among Turkey's Nato allies and international human rights groups who viewed it as a setback for democracy in the EU-hopeful country.

Ankara had to lift the ban on April 3 after its highest court ruled the blocade breached the right to free speech. Erdogan yesterday blasted the court's verdict.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Erdogan vows to go after Twitter
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