A Turkish court has ruled that a blanket ban of YouTube breached freedom of expression and ordered most of the restrictions be lifted. Access to 15 specific videos remains blocked.

It referenced a top court ruling this week that scrapped a similar ban on Twitter.

There were mixed reactions on the streets of Istanbul:

(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) ISTANBUL RESIDENT, ONUR POLAT, SAYING:

"I think the ban is a violation of human rights. It curbs people's freedoms. We are living in a civilized society and this ban was ridiculous in the first place."

On March 27, the state telecoms authority blocked access to YouTube, after anonymously leaked audio recordings appeared on the website.

…Purportedly of senior officials discussing a possible attack on Syria.

The Turkish Bar Association had challenged the ban.

But some residents supported the Turkish Prime Minister's efforts to restrict YouTube and Twitter:

(SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) ISTANBUL RESIDENT, MIR