Zeynep AzizBy early February 2018, Turkish authorities had detained more than 300 people over social-media messages that criticised, opposed or allegedly misrepresented the military campaign in Afrin.
The investigations followed the launch of Operation Olive Branch on 20 January. Prosecutors also sought thirteen additional suspects in Istanbul, while the government framed critical online content as potential terrorist propaganda or deliberate disinformation during a security operation.
The detentions extended a broader post-coup contraction of civic space. Journalists, opposition politicians, doctors and ordinary users faced investigations linked to comments about the war. Human-rights organisations argued that authorities were failing to distinguish incitement to violence from peaceful political speech.
Supporters of the government said false information could endanger soldiers and civilians and assist armed groups. Critics responded that broad anti-terror provisions were being used to suppress legitimate debate about foreign policy and civilian harm.
The episode showed the growing importance of online speech in Turkey’s legal and political struggles. Social media offered an alternative to a heavily constrained broadcast environment, but it also became a central target for surveillance, prosecution and demands for conformity during military operations.
