Posted on 05/20/2005 2:29:12 PM PDT by Cornpone
ANKARA, May 20, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Turkish circles expressed growing concerns over a new penal code that they fear would stifle the freedom of expression and restrict the work of political groups and NGOs in the European country.
"The law restricts the basic freedoms and poses enormous threats to the mosque imams and preachers," A. Bolac, a journalistic writer, told IslamOnline.net on Wednesday, May 20.
The new Penal Code is expected to take into effect by June 1 after it was touted by the government as a measure preserving human rights in Turkey and a move bringing Ankara closer to the European Union membership requirements.
But Bolac disagreed, saying the law could exacerbate prostitution since it calls for punishing with imprisonment terms those who get married without registering with official records.
H. Karaman, a university professor, and A. Sozer, a legal expert, echoed similar concerns, citing its threats to imprison mosque preachers if they make any criticism of government policies or fiery sermons.
Prison Penalty
The new Penal Code has also drawn public outcry, since one of its articles stipulate the imprisonment penalty for those engaged in giving private courses.
"The law threatens the education freedom in Turkey as it bans the private lessons, although some 10 percent of students are involved in the practice," said F. Koru, a journalistic writer.
He said that the law also incorporates ambiguous phrases such as those speaking about "the public benefits".
Y. Sayman, the former president of the Istanbul Bar Association, agreed that the law would have unfavorable impact on all political parties in the country, be they of the government or on the ranks of opposition.
"The new law could lead Turkey into a dark tunnel, particularly as it incorporates ambiguous phrases speaking about the national will and the holy state."
The new Code was also branded by the Turkish opposition as restricting attempts to try officials accused of administrative corruption and management.
Decrying the new Penal Code, a Turkish human rights group held a series of seminars over the past few weeks to urge the government and parliament to reconsider.
In parallel, the Turkish journalists' association also called on March 16, to amend the Code to avoid extending imprisonment terms to journalists.
"Amnesty"
Responding to the mounting criticism to the new Code, Turkish Justice Minister C. Cicek said amending the Penal Code has led to the release of around 12,500 prisoners _ something he called a positive angle of the law.
However, R. Ozel, member of the ruling Justice and Development Party, admitted that the new Code failed short of meeting the aspirations of the Turkish people.
"The government and opposition can agree together on addressing these shortcomings in the law."
Enforcing the new code was delayed from April to June 1 due to disputes between the interior and justice ministries over difficulties facing the security forces tasked with its putting it into action.
The law was approved by Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer on October 11, 2004 after it was okayed by the parliament late September 2004.
(Laws Restrict Muslim Hate Speech -- Oh My)
if it limits it to only 24/7, I could understand
I am confused, would this restrict Muslims from hate speech against others or other people criticizing Muslims?
"The law restricts the basic freedoms and poses enormous threats to the mosque imams and preachers"
Private lessons? In the Qu'Ran? Religious meetings held outside the mosque? Tutoring students having trouble in say, math? Homeschooling? Do you know?
H. Karaman, a university professor, and A. Sozer, a legal expert, echoed similar concerns, citing its threats to imprison mosque preachers if they make any criticism of government policies or fiery sermons.
looks like they want to use hate speech freely against govts and anyone not a muslim
The closer they get, the less they will like it.
Yep.
In parallel, the Turkish journalists' association also called on March 16, to amend the Code to avoid extending imprisonment terms to journalists.
Of course, they want to be like American journalists.
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