In the Official Gazette dated October 18, 2022 and numbered 31987, the “Law on Amendments to the Press Law and Some Laws” with the acceptance date of 13.10.2022 and numbered 7418 was published.
The most striking part of the relevant legislative changes is the addition of the crime of "disseminate misleading information to the public" with article 217/A to article 217 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237 with "incitement to disobey the law".
The purpose of the action regarding the crime created by Article 29 of the Amendment was determined as “creating anxiety, fear or panic among the people”. In order for the crime to occur, a “false” information being related to;
1- the internal and external security of the country, or
2- public order and general
and its publication was deemed sufficient to be "suitable" to violate the "public peace". The added article is as follows,
“ARTICLE 29- The following article has been added to the Turkish Penal Code dated 26/9/2004 and numbered 5237, following article 217.
“Disseminate misleading information to the public.
ARTICLE 217/A- (1) A person who publicly disseminates false information regarding the internal and external security, public order and general health of the country in a way that is suitable for violate the public peace, just for the purpose of creating anxiety, fear or panic among the public, punishable with imprisonment from one to three years.
(2) If the perpetrator commits the crime by concealing his true identity or within the framework of the activities of an organization, the penalty imposed according to the first paragraph is increased by half.”
Although some articles of the law entered into force on the date of publication, Article 29 will enter into force on 01.04.2023.
You can reach the Official Gazette from the link below.
https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2022/10/20221018-1.htm