HÜDA PAR Spokesperson and Batman MP Serkan Ramanlı has called for stronger legal and technical measures against television series and digital content that encourage prostitution, warning that the spread of online sexual exploitation and exhibitionism threatens the family institution and the future of society.

Speaking at a press conference at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), Ramanlı also addressed the economic difficulties faced by people with celiac disease, freedom of expression, and the need to expand border trade with Syria.

Freedom of expression should be protected

Ramanlı said recent administrative decisions by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) and court-ordered access restrictions targeting digital platforms and social media accounts had triggered serious legal debate over freedom of expression.

He stressed that one of the foundations of pluralism and peaceful coexistence is a culture in which different opinions can be expressed freely. Restrictions on freedom of expression, he said, should be limited to exceptional cases involving incitement to violence, threats to public order, or violations of the fundamental rights and values of others.

"When it comes to the expression of political opinions, public officials should demonstrate greater tolerance toward criticism. Excessive judicial and administrative interventions may create a climate of censorship, weaken pluralism and ultimately distance society from the principles of democracy and the rule of law," Ramanlı said.

More support needed for people with celiac disease

Ramanlı also highlighted the financial burden faced by people with celiac disease, noting that gluten-free products in Türkiye can cost four to five times more than their conventional equivalents while remaining difficult to obtain in many parts of the country.

He urged the government to abolish value-added tax (VAT) on essential gluten-free food products, provide greater incentives for producers, increase support through the Social Security Institution (SGK), and offer regular food assistance to low-income patients.

Ramanlı also called on municipalities to expand the production and sale of affordable gluten-free bread and emphasized the need for stricter inspections to ensure the safety and quality of gluten-free products.

HÜDA PAR urges action against online content promoting prostitution

Turning to digital content, Ramanlı warned that television series and online platforms promoting prostitution by portraying luxury lifestyles and easy wealth—particularly to young women—pose a serious threat to families and future generations.

He said the commercialization of the human body, together with the normalization of online prostitution and exhibitionism as a source of income, should not be ignored.

"Societies can preserve their existence only by protecting morality and modesty. Remaining indifferent to the commercialization of the human body and the spread of prostitution means remaining indifferent to society's moral decline," Ramanlı said.

State must protect family and moral values

Ramanlı called for more effective implementation of Law No. 5651, which regulates internet broadcasting in Türkiye, and urged lawmakers to introduce stronger legal sanctions where existing legislation proves insufficient.

He also proposed effective technical measures, subject to judicial oversight, to prevent access restrictions from being bypassed through methods such as VPNs and DNS changes.

Ramanlı further called for determined action against media outlets and digital platforms that encourage prostitution or profit from online sexual exploitation.

"The state must not remain passive in the face of a system that corrupts future generations. Necessary legal, administrative and technical measures should be implemented without delay to protect the family, public morality and society's future," he said.

Border trade with Syria should be expanded

Ramanlı also underlined the importance of revitalizing border trade with Syria, saying reopening closed border crossings and increasing the capacity of existing ones would benefit both Türkiye's border provinces and Syria's post-war recovery.

He called for bureaucratic obstacles to trade to be removed, customs procedures to be simplified and transportation regulations to be eased.

Welcoming ongoing efforts to reopen the Nusaybin–Qamishli Border Gate, Ramanlı expressed hope that the crossing would soon be opened for commercial traffic.

He said such steps would contribute to Syria's reconstruction while boosting production, exports, employment and economic activity in Türkiye's southeastern border region.(ILKHA)