Turkey’s ‘Foreign Influence Agent Law’ Alarms Media, Civil Society

Source:Balkan Insights Date:11May2024

A perfect definition of inventing crimes where none exist

The pro-government daily Yeni Safak first leaked the information on the “foreign agent law” on Wednesday.

“Those who work on behalf of another state and create public opinion against Turkey will be put under the spotlight. Influence spying will be included in the Turkish Penal Code as a crime,” Yeni Safak wrote.

The news alarmed rights groups and the opposition, since everyone critical of the government can fall under this definition.

The newspaper added that “foreign influence agents” on social media will also face punishment. “Those who create space for black propaganda against Turkey will be considered ‘foreign influence agents,’” it added.