Worldwide, citizens have taken their voices to social media platforms such as Twitter to discuss social injustices. In Turkey, users have frequently found themselves locked out of websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube amidst conflict. In recent news, Turkey's constitutional court has annulled a law which formerly punished all sexual acts involving children under age 15. They have given parliament six months to draw up a new law. Talk of this change among social media in Turkey is scarce. Considering the country's habit to censor media, we can speculate as to why there's little discussion.
Just months before the annulment, a sexual abuse scandal caused a temporary ban on Twitter. According to The Daily Dot, The cell phone company Turkcell ordered a ban on 860 Tweets following reports of a child rape scandal. Customers of Turkcell, who tweeted their opinions on the matter, had their posts removed from the site.
Turkey may have the ability to stop conversation among their own citizens, but let us not doubt the impact our voices may have.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström took to Twitter to discuss her opinion on the annulment of consent laws in Turkey. She wrote," Turkish decision to allow sex with children under 15 must be reversed. Children need more protection, not less, against violence, sex abuse."
In a crude attempt to defend themselves , a billboard was displayed in one of Turkeys main airports. It read, "Travel Warning: Do You Know That Sweden Has The Highest Rape Rate Worldwide?"
Juvenile move Turkey. Not only is this billboard senseless but it's minimizing the seriousness of rape culture. The question is displayed here as a "fun fact."
Despite the media limitations in Turkey, there are still ways to advocate the occurring social injustices. Its easy for us to forget that there are other sources for news besides the mainstream media.The movie Mustang, streaming on Netflix, is a compelling drama about five Turkish sisters whom are each married off as child brides. This film is an eye opener for those who are unfamiliar with the tradition and culture in Turkey. Each sister is forced into marriage, all under the age of sixteen. This film has helped spread awareness about the unethical treatement of young women.