Press releases

12 May 2008, Amendment of Article 301 of the Penal Code

NO-75 14 Mayis 2008

PRESS RELEASE

(Unofficial Translation)

The abhorrent terrorist attacks that took place yesterday (13 May) in Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan State, which claimed more than 80 lives and left around 150 wounded, has aroused deep sorrow and concern in Turkey.

We share the grief of the Indian people. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks as well as to the people and the Government of India. We also wish speedy recovery to those wounded.

During all her contacts at multilateral, regional and bilateral levels, Turkey has been stressing in the strongest terms that terrorism should be condemned regardless of its sources and pretexts, and be considered a crime against humanity. Turkey has always underlined the vital importance of effective international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

In this context, Turkey strongly condemns these heinous terrorist attacks which aimed at disrupting the stability of India.”

Below is the amended text.

"1. A person who publicly degrades Turkish nation, the State of Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the judicial bodies of the State, shall be sentenced a penalty of imprisonment for a term of six months to two years.

2. A person who publicly degrades the military or security organizations of the State shall be sentenced to a penalty in accordance with the first section.

3. The expression of an opinion for the purpose of criticism does not constitute an offence.

4. The conduct of investigation for such offence shall be subject to the permission of the Minister of Justice."


Republic of Turkey - Ministry of Foreign Affairs