The Anti-Disinformation Regulation, known as the Social Media Law, which was submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on May 26, 2022, passed the parliament despite intense protests. It entered into force with the Official Gazette published on 18 October. But it was under scrutiny by the Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Court has completed the first review for the annulment of Article 29!
The Constitutional Court has completed the first review of the annulment and suspension of the enforcement of Article 29, upon the application of the main opposition party, which protested because it did not want the Social Media Law to be passed in the parliament.
As a result of the meeting held today, the basics of the application and whether it will be processed were discussed. As a result, it was decided that the request for annulment of Article 29 was valid. Therefore, it was said that they would investigate as the next step, and then it would be decided whether to cancel or not.
Published in the Official Gazette! Social Media Act is officially in effect
The Social Media Law was also included in the Official Gazette published today. However, the 40-article law entered into force.
Article 29, which caused protests in the parliament, about which journalists and social media influencers made programs, and which was under scrutiny by the Constitutional Court, is as follows:
“ARTICLE 29- The following article has been added to the Turkish Penal Code dated 26/9/2004 and numbered 5237, following article 217.
“Do not publicly disseminate misleading information.
ARTICLE 217/A- (1) A person who publicly disseminates false information regarding the internal and external security, public order and general health of the country in a way that is suitable for disturbing the public peace, just for the purpose of creating anxiety, fear or panic among the public, is liable for a period of one year to three years. punishable by imprisonment.
(2) If the perpetrator commits the crime by concealing his true identity or within the framework of the activities of an organization, the penalty imposed according to the first paragraph is increased by half.”
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