Turkey banned the popular video sharing site for the second time because of content that insulted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the founder of modern Turkey and disrespectful comments towards the national hero are restricted in Turkey similarly to how insulting Turkishness is prohibited by Article 301 of the Turkish penal code.

In March 2007, Turkey enacted a similar ban on YouTube because of content that had insulted Atatürk.  The ban was removed after YouTube lifted the videos that insulted Atatürk.  However, it not known whether the ban on YouTube will be removed immediately again or not.

The ban on YouTube by Turkey is the latest expression by the Turkish government’s regarding its control on the media.  The government has significant discretion to monitor free expression of speech through Article 301 and uses its power whenever it deems necessary, which could pose a concern for journalists reporting incidents contrary to the government’s interest.

For more information, please see:

AP – Turkey Bans YouTube for Second Time- 20 January 2008

Jurist- Turkish court reimposes YouTube ban for offensive content- 20 January 2008

The New Anatolian- Turkish court again bans YouTube access, causes international uproar- 22 January 2008