In a letter to the European Commission, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) raises concerns that the proposed “agent of influence” bill in Turkey poses a serious threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and press freedom. Under consideration by the Turkish Parliament, the bill could see individuals facing 3-7 years of imprisonment for crimes deemed to align with foreign states’ interests against Turkey’s security and political concerns. Its vague terms and Turkey’s weak judicial independence risk labeling government critics as spies. The bill follows previous restrictive measures, such as the 2022 disinformation law, and marks a shift away from EU democratic standards. The EC is urged to publicly call for its withdrawal, prioritize freedom of expression in EU-Turkey relations, and support civil society and press freedom in high-level discussions. MFRR advocate this is a pivotal moment for the EU to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights, not just within its borders but globally. Read more here.
Source: EFJ