Turkish gov't denies that new security bill restricts rights

Interior Minister Efkan Ala has defended the controversial new security draft, saying it does not restrain citizens? rights.

The government and the main opposition party?s portrayals of a draft security bill have been in stark contrast, with the latter arguing that it marks a return to the infamous Sept. 12 military coup d?état regime.

Ala claimed on Jan. 12 that there is no provision that restrains citizens? fundamental rights and freedoms in the package, which proposes an expansion of police powers to search and detain, and which was recently introduced to Parliament.

?Security is a public service that we need for the just use of our fundamental rights and freedoms. We reflected such requirement in our reform package,? Ala said during a speech at a ceremony in Ankara.

At almost the same time, main opposition Republican People?s Party (CHP) Deputy Chair Sezgin Tanr?kulu released a written statement, calling on the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to withdraw the bill, which he said was ?a fascist attempt aimed at oppressing the society?s democratic demands.?

The package would bring back governors with the authority to suspend law and the use of rights under the Emergency Rule Region (OHAL) between 1987 and November 2002, Tanr?kulu claimed.

?This is an undeclared OHAL project. As much as it is a legal cover for the fascist practices Turkey has faced during the AKP era, the package is also an attempt to revive the Sept. 12 [1980] spirit. In this regard, there is need to state that the AKP has been openly preparing for a new coup,? he said.

In December, Human Rights Watch stated that the draft law proposes to give the highest administrative officer of a province, the governor, authority to assume...