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Turkey Eases Controversial 'Insult' Statute

But advocates say changes to free speech law mainly cosmetic

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2008 8:06 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Turkish parliament has approved changes to a notorious law that makes it a crime to "insult Turkishness," reports the Financial Times. Ankara legislators today amended the notorious Article 301, reducing the maximum sentence and requiring the justice minister to approve all prosecutions. But while nationalists are outraged, civil rights lawyers call the changes cosmetic at best.

The European Union, of which Turkey hopes to become a member, has been a strident critic of the law. Article 301 has been used to prosecute major figures, such as the Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, for discussing the Armenian genocide during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The amendments also change the crime in question from "insulting Turkishness" to "insulting the Turkish nation."

Two lawmakers argue at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2008. Parliament's justice panel has softened Article 301 of Turkey's penal code, which has been used to prosecute Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk and other intellectuals.
Two lawmakers argue at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2008. Parliament's justice panel has softened Article 301 of Turkey's penal code, which has been used to prosecute Nobel laureate...   (AP Photo)
Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses the lawmakers of his ruling party at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.
Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses the lawmakers of his ruling party at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Orhan Pamuk, who was prosecuted under Turkey's Article 301 for speaking about the Armenian genocide.
Orhan Pamuk, who was prosecuted under Turkey's Article 301 for speaking about the Armenian genocide.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
University students wave Turkish flags in front of the Istanbul University. Turkey has relaxed Article 301, which criminalized insulting Turkishness.
University students wave Turkish flags in front of the Istanbul University. Turkey has relaxed Article 301, which criminalized "insulting Turkishness."   (AP Photo/Murad sezer)
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A long-awaited revision passes easily
Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Details on the reformed law
BBC

 
Turkey • free speech • Ankara • Orhan Pamuk • Article 301

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