In addition to newspapers, radio and television stations, the legislation also targets social media and websites that will be asked to hand over personal data of their users accused of spreading fake news.
The Turkish National Assembly has voted in favor of a bill that provides for a prison sentence of up to 3 years for spreading “fake news”.
The bill was passed thanks to the votes of lawmakers from Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its government partner, the far-right Nationalist Action Party (MHP) of Devlet Bakhceli, despite criticism from the opposition and human rights groups about the blow to freedom of speech.
In addition to newspapers, radio and television stations, the legislation also targets social media and websites that will be asked to hand over personal data of their users accused of spreading fake news.
The debate on the 40 articles of the “Law on the Press” (as it is called) began in early October. The filing of numerous amendments by the opposition, which for its part denounces a “censorship law”, proved in vain.
In particular, Article 29 provides prison terms of one to three years for “spreading false or misleading information that is against the internal and external security of the country, may harm public health, disturb public order, spread fear or panic among citizens ».
The bill was tabled in May by lawmakers from President Erdogan’s ruling AKP party, which will seek re-election in 2023 elections.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
