The passing last week in Türkiye of a far-reaching new law on disinformation and fake news has been widely criticized by human rights groups and journalists for allowing the government to further control public debate, the EBU writes.

Under the new law, journalists could face up to three years in prison if the authorities feel that their content intentionally spreads panic or threatens Turkish society. Journalists face even harsher sentences if they have published anonymously.

The European Broadcasting Union’s News Committee, which represents journalists in public service broadcasters across Europe, calls out the new law for further eroding media freedom in Türkiye, and therefore democracy.

Eric Scherer, Chair of the EBU News Committee said: “While it’s true that disinformation is one of the biggest challenges to society, such a draconian and non-specific law is not an appropriate way to deal with it. Governments must not use the excuse of disinformation to crack down on and silence journalists to suit their political agenda. We will continue to monitor the situation in Türkiye and to speak up for independent and impartial journalism.”

Asun Gomez-Bueno, who heads the EBU News Committee’s taskforce on the security of journalists said: “This new law has the potential to have a chilling effect on journalism in Türkiye. It is too often the case that reporting is stifled because reporters fear the consequences. As the EBU News community we call for all journalists to be protected, for everyone’s freedom and for democracy.”