Our press statement dated January 13, 2014 called attention to legislation entitled “Law on Crimes Committed via Publications on the Internet” (Law 5651) and problems that may arise with respect to fundamental rights and liberties and the internet economy.
On January 16,2014, TÜSİAD delivered its opinion and suggestions to relevant Ministries, the Planning and Budget Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and to the leadership of political parties represented in Parliament.
Despite widespread reaction to the controversial bill, the suggestions of civil society organizations, legal experts on information technology and other interested parties were not taken into consideration. The approval of the law in the General Assembly without any positive amendments has failed expectations with respect to participatory democracy and preventing the negative consequences of the legislation.
The prohibiting reflexes of regulating the internet are unacceptable. We strongly believe that this legislation needs to be drafted in a way that encapsulates fundamental human rights criteria – including freedom of expression – as defined by the ECHR and other international agreements that Turkey is party to.
In this regard, TÜSİAD’s position and recommendations have been submitted to the President of the Republic of Turkey in a letter.