S. Res. 418 (Introduced in Senate) — Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Government of Turkey’s crackdown on dissent related to its incursion into northeast Syria, and broader human rights violations.

(1)

reaffirms the position of the United States that peaceful dissent should be protected under the right of freedom of expression in Turkey;

(2)

condemns policies and efforts by the Government of Turkey to suppress peaceful protesters, including those expressing dissent against military operations by the Turkish Armed Forces or policies instituted by the Government of Turkey;

(3)

stands with the defenders of free speech and human rights in Turkey;

(4)

encourages senior United States administration officials to raise the issue of suppression of free speech and media in Turkey at the highest levels, both bilaterally and multilaterally;

(5)

encourages United States embassy and consular staff to attend politically motivated trials; and

(6)

calls on the Government of Turkey to—

(A)

immediately lift restrictions on freedom of expression, including expression online or in social media;

(B)

ensure that criticism of the Turkish Armed Forces’ military operations or calling for peace—through media, social media, peaceful assembly, or other peaceful means—is not criminalized;

(C)

drop all charges and end prosecution of individuals or groups for peaceful expression of their opposition to Turkey’s military operations in Syria;

(D)

ensure that people can gather and protest peacefully, including by lifting blanket protest bans across the country;

(E)

release all political prisoners, including journalists and Turkish employees of United States diplomatic missions; and

(F)

respect the rights of Turkish citizens to elect their leaders through a democratic process.

Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Government of Turkey’s crackdown on dissent related to its incursion into northeast Syria, and broader human rights violations.

Cite this provision

Incoming references