Facebook parent Meta on Tuesday said it was fined a “substantial amount” in Türkiye for failing to comply with government orders to suspend accounts linked to widespread street protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s former mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

Imamoglu was arrested on March 23 over corruption allegations. The accusations center on the questionable acquisition of three villas in one of Istanbul’s prime locations by his family’s construction company, in which he holds a 60% stake.

Official documents indicate that a close business associate purchased the villas on Imamoglu’s behalf and later transferred them to his company at a significantly reduced price after three years.

Meta declined to share fine amount

“We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

“Government requests to restrict speech online alongside threats to shut down online services are severe and have a chilling effect on people’s ability to express themselves,” it added.

Meta declined to give the exact amount of the fine.

Elon Musk-owned X has also received orders to suspend hundreds of accounts, which the company has largely complied with as it fights the demands in courts.