'Censorship bill': Discussions halt amid opposition MPs' protests
Still image from the official broadcast shows MPs protesting the bill
Click to read the article in Turkish
The deputy parliamentary speaker had to halt yesterday's (October 12) session where the "censorship bill" was being discussed after protests from opposition deputies.
While the deputies were discussing the 29th article of the 40-article proposal, deputies of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) started applauding to protest. Other opposition MPs joined them after a while.
Because of the protests, Haydar Akar had to pause the session twice before eventually closing it.
Sansür yasası görüşmeleri CHP'li ve HDP'li vekillerin alkışlı protestosu nedeniyle oturum yapılamadığından ertelendi. pic.twitter.com/hmefEgFA2K
— Muhalefet Dedi Ki (@muhalefetdediki) October 12, 2022
The discussions on the bill will continue today starting at 2 p.m. local time (GMT+3).
The article to be discussed in the session:
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ARTICLE 29- The following expression will be added to follow article 217 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 dated 26/9/2004: "Openly disseminating information misleading the public" Article 217/A- (1) Anyone who spreads information about internal or external security of the country, public order and public health which is not true just in order to create concern, fear, or panic among people in a manner that domestic peace may be disrupted will be punished with imprisonment sentence of one to three years. (2) If the crime is committed by an offender concealing their identity or within the framework of organizational activity, the penalty will be increased half fold." |
About the billAccording to the "Draft Bill on the Amendment of the Press Law and Some Laws," those who work for internet news portals will be regarded as journalists and they will be able to apply to the Department of Communication for a press credential. Public employees working in information services in public institutions, radios and televisions will also be able to receive press credentials. Internet news portals will be taken within the scope of periodical publications. The proposal reads, "Those who publicly distribute information which is not really related with the security of the country inside or outside, public order or public health with the purpose of creating concern, fear or panic among the people in a manner that domestic peace may be destroyed will be punished with an imprisonment sentence of 1 to 3 years. With the proposal, reporting offensive content related to the National Intelligence Agency activities and personnel is included within the scope of catalog crimes. |
(AEK/PE/VK)