Turkey: Article 301 is a threat to freedom of expression and must be repealed now!

"AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Public Statement

AI Index: EUR 44/035/2005 (Public)
News Service No: 324
1 December 2005

Turkey: Article 301 is a threat to freedom of expression and must be repealed now!
Amnesty International is extremely concerned at the frequent use of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) to prosecute human rights defenders, journalists and other members of civil society peacefully expressing their dissenting opinion. Article 301, on the denigration of Turkishness, the Republic, and the foundation and institutions of the State, was introduced with the legislative reforms of 1 June 2005 and replaced Article 159 of the old penal code. Amnesty International repeatedly opposed the use of Article 159 to prosecute non-violent critical opinion and called on the Turkish authorities to abolish the article. "

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