HÜDA PAR pushes for law to criminalize attacks on religious beliefs after Leman magazine provocation

HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Mersin MP Faruk Dinç held a press conference today at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, condemning the recent offensive cartoon published by Leman magazine, which flagrantly attacked sacred religious values.
Describing the publication’s actions as a deliberate provocation aimed at undermining Türkiye’s spiritual fabric, Dinç called for an end to the ongoing tolerance of such blasphemous acts.
Dinç emphasized that in recent years, attacks on religious figures and spiritual beliefs have intensified, threatening social harmony and the deep-rooted culture of coexistence in Turkish society. “Freedom of expression cannot be used as a shield to insult and demean what millions hold sacred,” he stated firmly, underlining the urgent need for legislative measures to protect religious freedoms while safeguarding public order.
Highlighting the law proposal submitted by HÜDA PAR last week, Dinç explained that the bill seeks to explicitly criminalize insults directed at religious values under the Turkish Penal Code, ensuring strict and deterrent penalties. The legislation aims to consolidate existing laws and broaden the scope of offenses to include attacks on revered religious personalities, with provisions for expedited and effective legal investigations under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
“The insolence displayed by Leman magazine is unacceptable and must be met with swift and decisive legal action,” Dinç asserted. He urged all political parties and citizens to unite in supporting this critical legislation, stressing that protecting the nation’s sacred values is essential for social peace and the integrity of Turkey’s moral order.
Concluding his remarks, Dinç said: “We condemn every insult and attack against our holy values and religious figures. It is time to stand together and enact strong legal protections that reflect the respect these values deserve.” (ILKHA)
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