CHP, MHP ARGUE AGAINST CHANGES TO ARTICLE 301

Cumhuriyet
Turkish Press
April 15 2008
MI

Arguing that accepting changes "sought by foreigners" would be
improper, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy leader
Mustafa Ozyurek yesterday said the CHP is opposed to proposed changes
to Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). "Similar laws exist
in a number of European countries as well," he said. "Every state
wants to protect its basic values and principles and doesn’t allow
people to insult its nation and institutions." He added that rather
than changing the law, the government should train jurists on the
issue to make clear when people can be accused of violating it.

Ozyurek also expressed his party’s objection to proposals to give
the president the authority to begin the legal process under 301. In
addition, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) group deputy chairman
Mehmet Sandir also criticized efforts to change the article, saying
that the changes lack public support but are being pushed by the
Armenian "genocide" lobby, the terrorist PKK, and ethnic separatists,
as well as the European Union. "We won’t support the ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP) in tolerating people who insult the Republic
of Turkey," said Sandir.