UNITED NATIONS: A group of independent United Nations human rights experts expressed deep concern on Friday over Turkish government’s crackdown on media sharing outlets, YouTube and the Twitter.

The experts said in a statement that “the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a central pillar of modern democratic societies”.

”Blocking access to YouTube and Twitter entirely unduly restricts this fundamental right. This is all the more surprising following the recent temporary court injunction against the blocking of Twitter,” they said.

The experts noted that concerns about national security could be legitimate, but limitations to the freedom to seek, receive and impart information must conform to the strict test of necessity and proportionality to the aim pursued.