In Turkey, insulting the President is a crime and this offense can lead to serious consequences. Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code defines insulting the President as a crime. According to this article, anyone who publicly insults the President may be sentenced to imprisonment from one to four years. Additionally, one’s defense of freedom of expression may not be valid if this crime is committed, because insults against state officials such as the President can often create unrest in society and disrupt public order.
This provision of the Turkish Penal Code was introduced to ensure that citizens are respectful towards the head of state. However, in terms of freedom of expression and democratic values, such legal regulations may also cause some criticism. Although criticism of a country’s leader and freedom of thought are important, it is necessary to stay within the framework of the law.