Türkiye - May 2024

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has proposed an amendment to Article 339 of the Penal Code, which could lead to imprisonment of up to seven years for those who research Turkish citizens, institutions, or foreigners in Türkiye for foreign interests, harming national security or political interests. This is expected to particularly impact journalists and researchers. The legislation is similar to Georgia's recently approved ‘foreign agents’ law. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on the Turkish government to abandon the legislation, expressing strong concern that it would negatively impact freedom of the press and freedom of expression, as journalists working for foreign-funded media could be jailed under the proposed amendment.

Sources: Reporters without Borders, Turkish Minute (1), Turkish Minute (2), Balkan Insight, International IDEA