ANKARA
The new security bill is compatible with the European Union's legal framework, Turkish Minister for EU affairs Volkan Bozkir said Wednesday in Ankara.
The bill, which gives police enhanced powers, was approved by the Turkish parliament’s Internal Affairs commission on Jan. 22, and the lawmakers are currently discussing it.
Bozkir said the EU ministry examined "meticulously" the implementations in the EU and western countries and EU law.
"There is no provision in this package that is not in harmony with the EU's legal framework," added Bozkir.
The proposed legislation outlaws possession of fireworks, Molotov cocktails and slingshots during protests. Protesters who cover their faces in demonstrations that take a pro-terrorism tone can now face imprisonment for up to five years.
"Molotov cocktails are defined as a weapon almost in every civilized country in the world," said Bozkir.
Turkish opposition parties are objecting to this bill, saying it will lead Turkey to a "police state" and instead of security, it will bring "insecurity."
Bozkir said he will explain the package in detail to the parliament and address the concerns of opposition parties.
The bill also gives police powers to act preemptively in carrying out raids based on intelligence of possible criminal activity. Police will now be authorized to use firearms against those who attack schools, public offices or places of worship with firearms, explosives or other weapons.
Officers will also be able to search a person, their belongings or private vehicles based on oral instructions by police chiefs. The person being searched will be informed of the rationale behind the procedure.
In cases that cause uproar in society -- such as manslaughter, trafficking or sexual abuse -- Turkish police will have the authority to hold a suspect in custody for 24 hours with the approval of the public prosecutor or the deputy governor and under the supervision of their superior officers. This period of custody is accepted under these circumstances in most countries in Europe, Bozkir said.
With the new law, all transactions involving the "bonsai" -- a cheap, addictive and potent form of a marijuana-like substance -- will be considered illegal as is dealing in other banned substances.
The bill also says the interior minister will have the power to appoint junior commanders in Turkey's General Command of the Gendarmerie -- the country's paramilitary force -- and the Coast Guard except for admirals in the Coast Guard and generals in the gendarmerie force.
