TCK Draft ‘Ambiguous and Open to Misuse’

Legal scholars point out that the most critical portions of the law are ambiguous and open to misuse. Concerns have been raised over the fact that articles dealing with the freedom of thought were asked to be written without advice from legal scholars. Those scholars, reminding about the previous implementations of the infamous 312th article, insisted that the text be written as clearly as possible. Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek’s suggestion that the "High Court could fill in the gaps" was dismissed.

Former Speaker of the Parliament Husamettin Cindoruk indicated that the ambiguous expressions in the draft could give rise to undemocratic practices depending upon how they were interpreted. A seemingly harmless gathering could suddenly be considered illegal if the draft is left intentionally vague.

Prosecutors sent a terse message to the parliament, urging the MPs to "put this draft into the rubbish bin."

Prof. Koksal Bayraktar evaluated the draft as "an arrangement open to wide interpretation."

Turkish Bar Association Head Husnu Tuna pointed out that they found important gaps concerning human rights and freedom.

True Path Party leader Mehmet Agar claims that the current state of the draft would be a step backwards for Turkey.

The parliament is due to meet on Tuesday (September 14) to discuss the draft.