Parliament approves changes to article 301

Following eight hours of debate, and amid fierce criticism from the nationalist opposition, Parliament early yesterday approved controversial changes to Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) by a vote of 250-65. Under the changes, the world "Turkishness" - a term criticized as too broad and vague - would be replaced with "Turkish nation," and prison sentences under the law would be reduced from three years to two, thus allowing them to be suspended or commuted to a fine. In addition, the arrangement would require the justice minister's approval before prosecutors could file charges. The opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) accused the government of betraying the country's identity and kowtowing to European Union demands. Defending the reforms, Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said sanctions against insulting Turkey would still exist. "With these changes, it isn't a question of letting people freely insult Turkishness," he added. EU officials also welcomed the changes to the controversial law.