The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TİHEK) fined YouTube 204,285 lira ($4,655), after ruling that the platform discriminated against a Turkish journalist by removing videos about Gaza while allowing pro-Israel content to remain.

The watchdog said YouTube removed videos titled “Palestine,” “Gaza” and “Jerusalem” and claimed they were violent propaganda, but the institution said the content amounted to news reporting and public reaction related to Gaza.

In its unanimous ruling, TİHEK said the journalist, whom the institution did not name, was treated differently than other users in similar situations based on political and philosophical views and that the company did not provide a reasonable or proportionate justification. It also said the removals amounted to censorship affecting both the journalist’s ability to share information and the public’s right to receive it.

The fine was described as the maximum administrative penalty the institution can impose for discrimination violations.

The decision comes as Turkey positions itself as a critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and as major platforms face pressure and criticism over how they moderate Gaza-related content.

It was not clear whether YouTube will pay the fine or how authorities would enforce it if the company refuses. Google Istanbul Information Technologies Limited maintains a legal presence in Turkey under a social media law that requires major platforms to have a local representative.