Checks and Balances Network (DDA) called the Parliament to revoke Article 200 of the Turkish Penal Code, regulating the offense of “insulting the President.” DDA pointed out that the regulation provides the President with extra protection through penalizations and threatens press freedom as well as freedom of expression. The organization suggested that all articles regulating the offense of “insult” to be removed from the Penal Code, as advised by international conventions and institutions as well.
DDA indicated that these legal provisions lead to the suspension of rights of freedom of expression and legitimate protest of the civil society and the citizens, using penalizations and public resources. The organization further reminded the Parliament, regarding the offense of “insulting the President,” that “All those elected have to accept to be tolerant towards all kinds of expressions, criticisms, satire and accusations.” On the other hand, the organization claimed that with the transition towards the Presidential system, the President is not biased and therefore it will not be legitimate that he obtains an additional legal protection.
You may find the political paper that shares the network’s suggestions on http://www.birarada.org/tr/27575/Ifade-Ozgurlugunu-Sinirlayan-Hakaret-Sucu-Ceza-Kanunundan-Cikmali.
15.02.2019
birarada.org