Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say
The bill is seen as a major blow to the already weak independent civil society organizations in Turkey.
ANKARA — As Turkey’s parliament readies to debate the controversial, so-called foreign agent bill, opposition voices, press and civic groups are slamming the draft law as another blow to the country’s already dismal record on free speech.
Under the bill, over which full floor debate is to kick off this week, those who hurt the country’s national interests “in line with the strategic interests or instructions of a foreign government or organization” can be sentenced to up to seven years in jail.
Rights activists and opposition voices say that the bill will mainly target civic groups and independent news organizations that are funded by international bodies.
Erol Onderoglu, Turkey's representative to Reporters Without Borders, said that “the draft law, which uses terms like 'modern-style espionage,' will undoubtedly jeopardize the future of media organizations that maintain their independence thanks to international funding.”
