By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

ISTANBUL — The Turkish government expanded its crackdown on dissent and free expression over the weekend, purging nearly 4,000 more public officials, blocking access to Wikipedia and banning television matchmaking shows.

A total of 3,974 civil servants were fired on Saturday from several ministries and judicial bodies, and 45 civil society groups and health clinics were shut down, according to a decree published in Turkey’s official gazette.

Turkish internet users also woke up on Saturday to find that they no longer had access to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia written by volunteers.

https://nyti.ms/2pjaUoE

Waiting for John Oliver to explain to me in 20 minutes why Putin Erdogan sucks. Bias and propaganda free