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CHP deputy tapes mouth shut in Parliament in protest of media censorship

14 February 2014 01:24 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. A deputy from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) took part in an interesting protest in Parliament in Ankara on Thursday and taped his mouth shut to protest a new internet legislation awaiting for approval of the president, APA reports quoting Today's Zaman.

CHP Ardahan Deputy Ensar ÖÄŸüt wrapped a tape over his mouth to protest wide-ranging internet and media censorship in a session in Parliament.

A recent internet legislation grants telecommunications authorities power to block websites within four hours without permission from court. The controversial law has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups and media associations which are wary of widening encroachment of the government on people's freedom and rights.

The EU, Amnesty International and many other leading international organizations have called on President Abdullah Gül to veto the legislation, which they say will deal a critical blow to internet freedom and people's right to access to information.

The CHP and other opposition parties adamantly objected to the legislation, but majority of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) doomed their efforts as the bill was passed in a session in Parliament last week.