Istanbul authorities withdraw invite to Wikipedia founder after ban on site

After Turkey blocked access to online encyclopedia, Istanbul authorities have withdrawn an invitation to Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales to attend a major conference in the city.

Earlier on Saturday, Ankara blocked access to Wikipedia.org throughout the nation with an administrative order issued by the telecommunications body. The site has remained inaccessible to users in Turkey.

“The ban was imposed as Wikipedia failed to respond to repeated requests by Ankara to remove content promoting terror and accusing Turkey of cooperation with various terror groups,” said State media.