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Journalists stand before the 7th Anatolian Criminal Court: protest against planned "disinformation" law
Photo: Tolga Ildun / ZUMA Press Wire / picture alliance / dpa
One to three years in prison for spreading "false information" - that is what the Turkish government is planning to introduce.
Journalists' associations and unions have now protested against the plans.
Ten associations criticized the law as a threat to freedom of expression in a joint statement.
At a protest in front of the parliament in Ankara, journalists wore black masks and banners with inscriptions such as "No to the censorship law" or "Free press is crucial for democracy".
The draft law, which the ruling AKP brought before parliament in May, is intended to force online networks and website operators to publish information about users who are suspected of "distributing misleading information".
In this case, journalists are threatened with the withdrawal of their press card.
With the AKP and its allies having a majority in parliament, the law is likely to pass.
Polls at a low
"We, the journalists, once again warn both the MPs and the population as part of our responsibility to society," the statement said.
If the planned law comes into force in its current form, "the freedom of the press, opinion and speech in our country will come under great pressure and distress," the associations warned.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has long tried to silence critics, wants to be confirmed in office next year.
It is likely to be the most difficult election for him since he began his tenure almost two decades ago.
The polls for his ruling party are at an all-time low because of runaway inflation and a currency crisis.
Non-governmental organizations regularly denounce the erosion of press freedom in Turkey.
Turkey currently ranks 149th out of 180 in the Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders.
cbu/dpa
