Turkey Considers 'Foreign Agents' Law - Bloomberg
The Turkish government is planning to adopt the law on "foreign agents" . If passed, violators could face up to seven years in prison. Civil society, mass media and opposition representatives are concerned that the new law could be used to suppress dissent, Yeni Şafak reported, citing Bloomberg.
Civil society and media representatives expressed concern that the new law could be used to suppress dissent.
According to the document reviewed by journalists, the draft law is directed against individuals who act under the influence or under the direction of a foreign state or organization and who threaten Turkey's national security or foreign policy interests. The highest for violating this law remedy imprisonment for up to eight years.
Judicial experts and journalists interviewed by the agency expressed concern about the law's vague language, which they said could allow the government to stifle criticism of the government.
Bloomberg also notes that the bill is reminiscent of Georgia's recent law that drew protests and condemnation from Western countries and is similar to Russia's "foreign agents" law.
Opposition Republican People's Party deputy Inan Akgyun Alp noted that the bill could create the basis for a "more repressive environment." "This is a very authoritarian law," he said.
It is noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government have strengthened control over freedom of speech through various legislative measures in recent years. Over the past decade, thousands of people have been arrested or tried in the country for insulting the president, the agency reports.
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