Anonymous launches Operation Turkey

Anonymous's Operation Turkey

Hacktivist group Anonymous appears to have taken ownership of the Turkish domain of International Center for Human Development as part of its latest protest action, Operation Turkey.

As at this morning icdh.org site was this morning inaccessible, and Anonymous advised via icdh.gov.tr that the domain had been seized as part of its ongoing ‘Antisec’ campaign.

In a statement on the icdh.org.tr site, Anonymous said the action was in response to what the group claims are restrictions placed by the Turkish government on internet freedoms.

“Over the last few years, we have seen how the Turkish Government has tightened its grip on the internet,” the site reads.

“It has blocked thousand of websites and blogs while abusive legal proceedings against online journalists persist.

“The government no want to impose a new filtering system on 22 of August that will make it possible to keep records of everyone’s internet activity.

“Though it remains opaque why and how the system will be put in place, it is clear the government is taking censorship to the next level.”

The group claimed that it would support Turkish internet users to circumvent censorship and retaliate against organisations imposing censorship.

“We call on internet users worldwide to support freedom of speech by pushing the Turkish government to stop these foolish policies,” the site reads.

“The free flow if information won’t be stopped. Sharing of knowledge won’t be stopped. It is time to fight for our rights and stand up for what we believe in."

In related news, Italian police earlier this month reported 15 suspected members of the Italian branch of Anonymous to the judiciary for investigation on charges of illegally accessing IT systems, damaging IT systems and interrupting a public service, Italian media reported Wednesday.

The group also claimed earlier this month to have compromised an Apple server in the US. According to one of the group's Twitter accounts, it has posted a list of user names and passwords online allegedly obtained from the server. While the group tweeted that Apple may be its next target, the tweet also said that it wasn't "being so serious.... but don't worry, we are busy elsewhere."