This bill seeks to bolster democracy and human rights in Turkey while holding its government accountable for systemic political repression, censorship, and transnational repression. It outlines a United States policy to support democratic institutions, oppose the abuse of counterterrorism laws, and advocate for the unconditional release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. The legislation also calls for the repeal or amendment of Turkish laws that violate fundamental freedoms and fair trial rights. The bill expresses a Sense of Congress on several critical issues, urging Turkey to improve press freedom by releasing imprisoned journalists and ending draconian laws. It also emphasizes the need for internet freedom, pushing Turkey to cease online censorship and arbitrary restrictions on social media and streaming services. Furthermore, it advocates for protecting lawyers and promoting fair trials by halting the indiscriminate prosecution of legal professionals and ensuring judicial independence. To enforce accountability, the bill proposes that the President impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act on Turkish officials responsible for human rights violations, including politically motivated detentions and restrictions on free expression. It also suggests visa restrictions under the "Khashoggi Ban" for individuals involved in extraterritorial counter-dissident activities. Crucially, it mandates limitations on certain security assistance to Turkey unless the government takes demonstrable steps to reduce political prisoners, cease misuse of counterterrorism laws, comply with European Court of Human Rights judgments, and end transnational repression. The legislation directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance to civil society organizations in Turkey working to secure the release of political prisoners and to support current and former prisoners. This includes documenting human rights violations, advocating for legal reforms, and observing trials in politically motivated cases. Finally, it requires an annual report for five years on Turkey's human rights situation, including assessments of political prisoners, restrictions on freedoms, transnational repression, and the use of U.S.-origin technologies for surveillance, while also expanding support for independent journalists and digital rights advocates.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill seeks to bolster democracy and human rights in Turkey while holding its government accountable for systemic political repression, censorship, and transnational repression. It outlines a United States policy to support democratic institutions, oppose the abuse of counterterrorism laws, and advocate for the unconditional release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. The legislation also calls for the repeal or amendment of Turkish laws that violate fundamental freedoms and fair trial rights. The bill expresses a Sense of Congress on several critical issues, urging Turkey to improve press freedom by releasing imprisoned journalists and ending draconian laws. It also emphasizes the need for internet freedom, pushing Turkey to cease online censorship and arbitrary restrictions on social media and streaming services. Furthermore, it advocates for protecting lawyers and promoting fair trials by halting the indiscriminate prosecution of legal professionals and ensuring judicial independence. To enforce accountability, the bill proposes that the President impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act on Turkish officials responsible for human rights violations, including politically motivated detentions and restrictions on free expression. It also suggests visa restrictions under the "Khashoggi Ban" for individuals involved in extraterritorial counter-dissident activities. Crucially, it mandates limitations on certain security assistance to Turkey unless the government takes demonstrable steps to reduce political prisoners, cease misuse of counterterrorism laws, comply with European Court of Human Rights judgments, and end transnational repression. The legislation directs the Secretary of State to provide assistance to civil society organizations in Turkey working to secure the release of political prisoners and to support current and former prisoners. This includes documenting human rights violations, advocating for legal reforms, and observing trials in politically motivated cases. Finally, it requires an annual report for five years on Turkey's human rights situation, including assessments of political prisoners, restrictions on freedoms, transnational repression, and the use of U.S.-origin technologies for surveillance, while also expanding support for independent journalists and digital rights advocates.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.