Twitter had filed petitions in a Turkish court two days ago to challenge the access ban on the microblogging site. The company had also petitioned a court to overturn an order underlying the access ban, that instructed Twitter to take down an account with Tweets that accused a former government minister of corruption.  A Turkish court has now overturned the take-down order on freedom of expression grounds, says Twitter.  

Here is the English translation of the Turkish order:  

Freedom of speech and expression and the right to spread thoughts and opinions are fundamental rights and freedoms, which are under the Constitutional protection similar to all democratic countries. In this respect, everyone has the right to express their thoughts and in all possible ways they wish. No one may be forced to express their thoughts and opinion for any reason and purpose, and no one shall be censored or accused for that reason. Governmental bodies should avoid all acts and actions which restrict such freedom of people.

Twitter says it has immediately reversed the Country Withheld Content action previously taken to block access to that account in Turkey. This decision however does not address the broader ban of Twitter in Turkey.  

[Image courtesy: Turkey tourism]

Upload: 04-02-14