Turkish main opposition CHP to appeal for the annulment of the security package

DHA Photo

Turkey's main opposition party has said it will appeal to the high court for the annulment of a controversial security package on the grounds that it undermines constitutional rights and freedoms, following parliament's approval of the bill early March 27.

"A government that strengthens the authority of the police that much has lost its legitimacy. There is a government that is trying to keep up thanks to the support it takes from the police, not from the people. There is no winner but losers. Freedoms and democracy will lose [because of it]," Akif Hamzaçebi, deputy parliamentary group leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said after the bill was approved by the votes of the ruling party despite the strong opposition of three oppositional parties.  

Hamzaçebi said the CHP would take the security bill to the Constitutional Court next week for its annulment. "I believe this bill that deals a heavy blow to the constitution and the law will be returned by the court," he said.

Composed of 68 articles, the new security package broadens police powers and allows the use of firearms against demonstrators, deepening fears of crackdowns on dissent ahead of parliamentary elections slated for June 7. All three opposition parties have shown a rare unity in standing against the government-proposed security bill out of fears it will increase authoritarianism in the country under President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.

The bill gives police the right to detain a person if they deem the situation to be in flagrante delicto. Officers will be able to keep suspects in custody for 24 hours without seeing a judge. The period can be extended to 48 hours if the police deem the existence of a "collective crime." Police will also be able to take the...

Continue reading on: