Turkish Parliament passes law increasing penalties for espionage activities
General Assembly of Turkish Parliament. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Parliament‘s Justice Commission has approved a new legal regulation that intensifies penalties for individuals engaged in espionage activities.
The law, which introduces amendments to 12 existing laws, aims to strengthen national security by imposing harsher sentences for those acting against the state’s interests on behalf of foreign powers or organizations.
Espionage sentences increased under new legislation
Under the newly approved regulation, individuals committing crimes against Türkiye’s internal or external political interests under the direction or for the benefit of foreign states or organizations will face prison sentences ranging from 3 to 7 years.
Additionally, those convicted will face separate charges both for espionage and any other related crimes they commit.
Reforms include changes to divorce and notary laws
The law also includes significant changes beyond espionage-related crimes. For instance, the time required for couples to file for divorce again after a failed attempt has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year.
Further, notary services will now be allowed to operate on holidays, and new measures permit payments for notary services via credit or debit cards.
