The UN is concerned about the new law that provides prison terms for spreading fake news in Turkey

The UN today expressed its “concern” over the approval, on Thursday, by the Turkish parliament of a law under which journalists and users of social networking sites can be sentenced to up to three years in prison for spreading “fake news”.

The UN Human Rights Office considers that this law leaves open the possibility of subjective interpretation and abuses and has urged Ankara to guarantee full respect for freedom of expression.

“We are concerned by the adoption, on Thursday, of a series of amendments to various laws, with which there is a risk of significantly limiting freedom of expression” in Turkey, said Marta Hurtado, the representative of this United Nations agency.

The spokeswoman also commented that, in an already very restrictive framework, there is a risk that the new laws will further restrict people’s rights to seek, receive and share information, as defined by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , to which Turkey has also joined.

The United Nations expressed regret that “these laws were prepared and adopted without significant consultation with civil society and media representatives.”

“Freedom of expression and access to information are necessary for people’s effective participation in public life and politics and are necessary in any democracy. We call on Turkey to ensure full respect for freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by international law,” Urtado added.

Most newspapers and TV channels in Turkey came under the control of government officials or their business allies during the crackdown that followed the 2016 coup attempt.

RES-EMP

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