Turkish Parliament Passes Bill On Article 301 Of TCK

ANKARA - Turkish Parliament passed a bill early on Wednesday on amendment to Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).
Under the amendment, the term "Turkishness" in the article is replaced by the "Turkish nation," and the term "Republic" is replaced with "State of the Republic of Turkey."
The bill was adopted with 250 against 65 votes.
Under the law, those who insult Turkish nation, state, parliament, legal bodies, government, military or police openly shall be sentenced to imprisonment terms up to 2 years. Explaining views aiming at criticism will not be a crime.
Justice Minister is designated to approve any prosecution under the law.
(AY-MS)