One of the amendments is an amendment to the penal code that provides for sentences of up to three years in prison for “publicly disseminating false information” in the digital space.
“Under international human rights law, freedom of expression is not limited to ‘honest’ information, but applies to ‘information and ideas of all kinds’, both online and offline. Restrictions on the right to freedom of expression would be expected only on legal and necessary grounds,” warned Marta Hurtado, a spokeswoman for the United Nations Office for Human Rights in a statement.
Room for abuse
Ms Hurtado stressed that the amendments continue to leave significant room for “arbitrary, subjective and abusive interpretation”.
“In an already very restrictive context, they risk further restricting everyone’s right to seek, receive and impart information as guaranteed by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of which Türkiye is a party member”, she stressed, adding that the amendments also risk opening new avenues for the suppression of journalists, human rights defenders and agitators of freedom censorship.
Freedom of speech when at risk
The upcoming Senior Office Volker Türk also regrets that The law was drafted and passed without meaningful consultation with civil society and media representatives.and reminded Türkiye that legal and regulatory frameworks of such broad scope and potential impact should be adopted only after extensive debate.
“Freedom of expression and access to information are necessary for everyone to participate effectively in public and political life and are essential in any democracy. We urge Türkiye to ensure full respect for the freedom of expression guaranteed under international law,” she urged.
