Turkey's government is facing backlash over a proposed law aimed at curbing foreign influence on issues deemed detrimental to national interests. The legislation, set to be debated in parliament soon, has drawn criticism from civil society and media organizations, who fear it may be used to stifle dissent.
The draft bill, seen by Bloomberg, targets individuals working against the state's security or political interests under the influence of foreign entities. Offenders could face up to seven years in prison under the proposed law. Critics argue that the broad and ambiguous wording of the legislation could be exploited by authorities to suppress any form of criticism against the government.
Lawmakers from the main opposition Republican People's Party have condemned the bill, warning that it could pave the way for a more oppressive regime. The move is part of a broader judicial package proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and mirrors similar laws in countries like Russia and Georgia, which have been used to suppress dissent.
Turkey has a history of tightening restrictions on freedom of speech, with thousands facing legal action for allegedly insulting the president. Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new law on freedom of expression, pointing to previous legislation that has been used to silence dissenting voices.
Media groups have united in opposition to the proposed law, expressing alarm over its potential threat to civil society and free speech. The European Federation of Journalists has warned that the vaguely worded bill could criminalize everyday journalistic activities and advocacy work.
Turkey's track record on press freedom is already concerning, with the country ranking among the world's worst jailers of journalists. The proposed law has further raised fears about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Turkey, as critics warn of a potential crackdown on dissent under the guise of protecting national interests.