Turkey prime minister Erdogan seeks to ban Youtube, Facebook

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is considering banning YouTube and Facebook after local elections at the end of this month, according to remarks carried by local media Friday (07/03/2014).

Erdogan made the remarks on a late night television interview programme on Thursday, following the leaking of recordings of his private conversations, apparently through wiretaps.

"We will not let YouTube and Facebook destroy our nation.

We will take measures, including closure," said Erdogan, who has previously made comments against social media sites.

YouTube had been banned in the country for two years and was recently unblocked.

Local elections on March 30 will be a test of Erdogan's Justice and Development Party's popularity.

The leaked recordings, which have not been verified, link Erdogan and his allies to corruption and attempts to control the media.

The most recent recording, leaked online on social media sites, shows Erdogan criticizing a newspaper owner for his publication's coverage.

The owner broke down in tears at the end of the call.

Erdogan's camp has blamed the leaks on followers of US Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a one-time ally, but now a foe.

Gulen commands respect among his followers, many of whom work in state institutions.

On social media, several people remarked that at least the prime minister "didn't mention Twitter" in his latest comments on social media. - Sapa-dpa