Although Turkey has made some positive amendments to its penal code, there still remain some issues of concern, Amnesty International (AI) said this week.
Press groups in Turkey are concerned that the new penal code, which is due to come into effect on April 1, will restrict press freedom, and are urging the government to review the new law. AI is also urging the Turkish government to take further steps to bring Turkish law into line with international human rights laws and standards related to freedom of expression.
The organization has voiced concerns that an article in the new penal code in a section entitled “Crimes against symbols of the state’s sovereignty and the honor of its organs” could be used to criminalize legitimate expressions of dissent and opinion.
In other cases, articles have been introduced to the new penal code which appear to introduce new restrictions. Examples given to explain “acts against the fundamental national interest,” which the law criminalizes, include encouraging withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from Cyprus or “contrary to historical truths, that the Armenians suffered a genocide after the First World War.” AI said imposing a criminal penalty for these statements, “unless intended or likely to incite imminent violence, would be a clear breach of international standards related to freedom of expression.”
AI also said the draft of the new penal code does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Turkey is amending its penal code to meet international standards and improve its human rights record in a bid to join the European Union by the year 2015.