Opposition reacts to 'Influence Agent Regulation': 'A tool to silence dissenters'

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın made harsh criticisms regarding the legislative proposal submitted to Parliament, known as the "Influence Agent Regulation." Günaydın emphasized that the law poses a threat to dissidents, particularly journalists, and announced that they would appeal to the Constitutional Court if this regulation is passed.

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

Opposition reacts to 'Influence Agent Regulation': 'A tool to silence dissenters'

The "Influence Agent Regulation" proposal, which is expected to be discussed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) this week, continues to draw reactions from the opposition.

CHP Group Deputy Chairman and Istanbul Deputy Gökhan Günaydın evaluated this regulation, which concerns crimes committed against state security and political interests, as a threat that would weaken democracy.

'SCOPE OF ESPIONAGE CRIME IS BEING EXPANDED'

Gökhan Günaydın stated that with Article 16 of the proposal, it is planned to add a clause titled "Committing Crimes Against the Security or Political Interests of the State" to the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Under this article, individuals who commit crimes against the security and internal or external political interests of the state in line with the interests of a foreign state or organization face prison sentences ranging from three to seven years. The text of the article also includes provisions on the circumstances under which the sentence will be increased. Günaydın expressed that the regulation eliminates the burden of proof, facilitates "espionage" accusations, and poses a risk to dissidents.

Emphasizing that the justification for the regulation is kept very broad, Günaydın stated that this accusation could cover not only direct espionage but also those who commit crimes in line with alleged interests in economic, technological, military, or cultural fields. The justification states that such activities will be punished if they have been carried out under the strategic instructions of foreign states or organizations.

DREW ATTENTION TO DEPUTIES WHO VOTED AT THE NATO MEETING

CHP's Günaydın recalled that at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting held in Sofia in May, a similar law in Georgia was evaluated as a threat to democracy, and all Turkish deputies attending the meeting supported this view. Stating that the AKP deputies who attended the meeting also voted "no," Günaydın expressed that the public is curiously waiting to see what stance the same deputies will take on a similar regulation in the TBMM.

IF THE LAW PASSES, WE WILL TAKE IT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

Declaring that as the Republican People's Party, they will make every effort to prevent this regulation from passing in the TBMM, Günaydın emphasized that "the state and democracy cannot be protected by unlawful methods; on the contrary, such an approach would weaken democracy." Günaydın stated that if the regulation passes in Parliament, the CHP will apply to the Constitutional Court.

THIS LAW COULD BE A TOOL TO SILENCE DISSENTERS

Due to the politicization of the judiciary and the blurring of lines between the state and the government, Günaydın expressed concern that the new regulation could be used as a tool of pressure against dissidents, especially journalists. According to Günaydın, since this regulation does not require proof of "an alleged relationship with a foreign state," it could pave the way for a process in which dissidents and critical journalists are targeted.

GEORGIA EXAMPLE

Stating that such legal regulations are also a controversial issue in the international arena, Günaydın recalled that a similar regulation enacted in Georgia was evaluated as a threat to democracy at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Based on this example, Günaydın expressed their concern that Turkey might enter a similar process.