21/03/2014 LONDON’S Green MEP Jean Lambert has condemned Turkey’s decision to ban social media website ‘Twitter’ ahead of this weekend’s Newroz celebrations.

“This weekend millions will celebrate ‘Newroz’ – New Year, celebrated today, March 21st – in Turkey and around the world.

“And yet it is reported today that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has banned the use of the ‘Twitter’ website – which is expected to carry reports of many of these Newroz events, and even simple good-will messages.”

She made her comments ahead of a celebration to mark Newroz taking place in Finsbury Park this Sunday.

Ms Lambert added: “This latest move – which comes hot on the heels of recent concerns about the state of democratic institutions in the country – is an absurd attack on fundamental freedoms in Turkey, and must be reversed.

“If Turkey won’t reverse this ban, the European Commission must act to condemn the move. Freedom on the Internet is an essential component of free speech, and it is simply unacceptable to limit it for political ends.”

For more information on London’s Newroz commemoration click here .