Parliament Turkey passed a controversial law that will serve this Thursday punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment to anyone who believes or sharesfake news“ or “false information” social networks or in the media.
In fact, according to the text of the new law, a simple ‘retweet’ may cause the person to be investigated. The text was approved only by the votes of the Turkish president’s governing coalition, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In fact, all the opposition that classifies this new norm as a norm, “censorship law”voted against.
Main opposition formation Republican People’s Party (CHP)assured that they would receive the law. Constitutional Court If the text is approved by President Erdoğan, the final step will be taken for implementation.
“This law will benefit Erdogan” silent opposition much more effectively. The text brings prison sentences to those who spread “false information”. national security, public order and health. However, these provisions are vaguely written, which means the judicial system already highly politicized to silence critical voices,” he writes. Gönül Tolexpert at her topic think tank International Middle East Institute.
“When the law is signed, Erdogan will be leading the persecution. digital opposition It came to another level just before the critical spring elections of 2023,” says Tol.
In Turkey, no one talks about anything other than these. presidential electionplanned in principle for the end of June 2023. surveys They guarantee that Erdogan will lose these elections. This is the first time such a thing has happened in the Turkish politician’s 20-year rule. And there’s more: Erdogan is currently the fourth most popular political leader in the country, according to these polls. first three all opposition members.
one before one after
Since the announcement of this new law, human rights associations and freedom of expression advocates have been harshly criticizing this new regulation, which they think will add to the existing ones. heavy penalties and investigations He is taken by thousands of Turks every year for “insulting” the president on his social networks.
“Here we are. Turkey has entered a new era” very difficult period. This law will affect everyone. From the opposition to non-governmental organizations, from doctor and lawyer associations to everyone journalists Y ordinary citizens. All will be judicial harassment“said this Thursday Veysel OkPresident of the Association MLSAAn organization that legally defends persecuted Turkish journalists.