Turkish police announced on Tuesday that they have arrested four people after "provocative" messages posted on social networks about the previous day's 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey.
The earthquake, followed by powerful aftershocks, left more than 5,000 people dead in Turkey and Syria, while also leaving thousands injured and homeless in the bitter cold.
The four people were arrested after police discovered accounts sharing "provocative posts aimed at creating fear and panic", police said in a statement without detailing the content of the messages.
According to her, more extensive searches are continuing on social networks.
Turkish social media has been flooded with messages from people complaining about the lack of rescue and search efforts in their areas, especially in Hatay.
"Information on the address and location of citizens seeking help is verified immediately and coordination is underway," the police announcement states.
Turkey passed a disinformation law last October that punishes the spread of "fake news" with up to three years in prison.
