Monday, May 23, 2005

New Turkish Penal Code Still Controversial (SETimes.com)

"New Turkish Penal Code Still Controversial
23/05/2005
The new Turkish Penal Code, amended after 78 years, aims to bring the country's laws into line with the EU. But critics say the revised code still contains articles limiting press freedom.
By Allan Cove for Southeast European Times -- 23/05/05
The new Turkish Penal Code (TCK), due to be implemented on 1 June, will bring vital changes to Turkey. Aiming to eliminate shortcomings targeted by the EU, it removes any reference to the death penalty in Turkish law, bars virginity testing, places the National Security Council under civil control, and increases punishments for ordinary crimes. Critics, however, argue that it still limits press freedom by using ambiguous or broadly-defined terminology, and by keeping in place penalties for 'thought crimes' and insults against government figures or public officials. "

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