Statement of the Chair and Rapporteur on the adoption of the ‘disinformation law’ by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Türkiye Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, ES) and Chair of the EP Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee Sergey Lagodinsky (Greens/EFA, DE) issued the following statement following the adoption of the so-called ‘disinformation law’:
“Last night, the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye adopted the ‘draft law on the amendment of the press law and some laws’, otherwise known as the ‘disinformation law’. Following persecutions of independent print media, this law imposes more restrictions on online news sites and social media platforms. We are concerned about the introduction of severe prison sentences and other sanctions for alleged spreading of ‘disinformation’. We find it particularly worrisome that the law uses distinctly vague wording and non-defined concepts such as ‘disinformation’ or ‘public order’, which leaves the door open for arbitrary prosecutions.
“We are also concerned about the timing of this legislation. With upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye, we see substantial potential to further silence dissenting voices and increase self-censorship.
“We fully share the criticism of international civil society and international bodies that such interference with the freedom of expression is neither necessary nor proportionate to further the legitimate goals of public order, national security or public health.”