An investigation has been launched into those making calls for a boycott

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into individuals making calls for a boycott. A statement from the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said following:

“On traditional and social media platforms, some individuals have made divisive statements known as ‘boycott’ calls, aimed at preventing certain segments of the public from engaging in economic activities. Investigations have been initiated against these individuals on charges of ‘hate and discrimination, as well as inciting the public to hatred and hostility.’”

How did it begin? The recent wave of boycott calls in Turkey started when CHP leader Özgür Özel made a call to boycott certain media outlets and companies in response to the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Following these calls, a website named “boykotyap.com” was launched to list the boycotted brands. Access to this site was blocked by the Ankara 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace. Other websites, such as yandaslarboykot.com and boykot.web.tr, were also blocked.

After the website was banned, it reappeared with a new domain name, boykotyap.net.

İmamoğlu, who is currently imprisoned in Silivri Prison, expressed his support for the boycott call initiated by Özel and stated that the media and business world must now make a choice.

During protests, many university students began a “class boycott” as a form of protest. The students decided to expand their protest to an economic boycott.

University students in various cities across Turkey announced that they would carry out an economic boycott on April 2, stating, “We are using our economic power, and we will take a one-day break from consumption after the holiday.”