Main opposition to apply to Constitutional Court if President Gül does not veto Internet bill

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

People shout slogans as they hold placards that read 'stop censorship' during a rally against the Internet bill in Ankara, Jan 18. AFP photo

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has said it will file an application to Turkey’s Constitutional Court if a draconian Internet law that was approved by Parliament last week is not vetoed by President Abdullah Gül.

“This bill contradicts with European Convention of Human Rights articles on the right to privacy, freedom of association, and freedom of speech,” CHP Deputy Head Faruk Loğoglu said Feb. 10 in Ankara. 

“We see that this law has no place among basic human rights. Everyone wonders if the president will veto it, but he [President Gül] has always approved [bills]. After the president approves it, the CHP will apply to the Constitutional Court immediately over the bill,” Loğoğlu said. 

“The only objective of this bill is to cover-up the claims of corruption and bribery,” he added. 

Many quarters have called on Gül to veto the law, which has raised widespread concerns about the government attempting to curb freedoms. Following the CHP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) became the latest political party to join the chorus on Feb. 10, urging Gül to use his veto power to axe the bill.

The chairman of Turkey’s leading business organization, TÜSİAD, and the head of the Turkish Union of Bars, have both penned letters to the president asking him to consider a veto of the bill. 
Gül has 15 days from Feb. 10 to make a final decision on the bill.