The new law means those found guilty of intentionally publishing disinformation or fake news that the authorities claim spreads panic, endangers security forces or the overall Health of Turkish Society could be sentenced to up to three years in prison. The bill also specifies that sentences can be increased by up to half if anonymous accounts are used to spread alleged disinformation.
Turkeycurrently ranks149 out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index for 2022, and campaigners fear these additional restrictions will affect the medias ability to accurately cover Turkeys forthcoming election, expected in or before June.