Turkey fines Meta for refusing to restrict Facebook, Instagram over Imamoglu protests

ANKARA — Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said Wednesday it faced heavy fines for refusing to comply with the Turkish government’s restriction requests amid protests over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and presidential contender of his main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested on March 19 on corruption charges. Government critics believe the arrest was politically…