Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Turkey set to begin crackdown on press

"Turkey is preparing stringent laws to curb the nation's vocal press, which could criminalize criticism of government."

"Even before the application of the penal code amendments, about 60 Turkish journalists were either in jail or facing prosecution.
Under the amended law, journalists and publishers face prison sentences of up to five years if they "insult the state, discourage military service or publish classified information."
Amnesty International said the new laws "could be used to criminalize legitimate expression of dissent and opinion."
The new law also bars religious officials such as Muslim imams, Christian pastors and rabbis from criticizing the government during religious services. A call to disobey the government will be punishable by prison sentences of up to two years."

Turkey set to begin crackdown on press - The Washington Times: World - March 30, 2005

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