Turkish police announced on Tuesday that they had arrested four people after "
provocative
" messages posted on social media about the previous day's earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, which struck southeastern Turkey.
The quake, followed by powerful aftershocks, killed more than 5,000 people in Turkey and Syria, also leaving thousands injured and homeless in the freezing cold.
Disinformation
The four people were arrested after police discovered accounts sharing "
provocative posts aimed at creating fear and panic
", police said in a statement without detailing the content of the messages.
According to her, broader research continues on social networks.
Turkish social media is flooded with messages from people complaining about a lack of rescue efforts and searches for victims in their areas, especially in Hatay.
Read alsoEarthquake in Turkey and Syria: why the earth is shaking so hard in the region
"
The address and location information of citizens requesting assistance is immediately verified and coordination is carried out
," the police statement said.
Turkey passed a disinformation law last October that punishes the dissemination of “
false news
” with up to three years in prison.
