Turkish citizens submit petition to ‘protect’ memory of sultans

A petition to protect the memory of Ottoman sultans following recent controversy over a Turkish historical TV drama has been submitted to Turkish Parliament's Petition Commission, Hurriyet reports.

The petition demands a similar version of the law on the protection of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s memory for the memory of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, a "600-year sovereign world power.” Under the petition, which was signed by 10 people, those found guilty of insulting the sultans could face prison time.

The suggestion provoked opprobrium from some opposition parties. "Such a law would be harmful for Turkey's European Union aim in the context of freedom of speech," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Bursa deputy Aykan Erdemir told Anatolia news agency.

Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Altan Tan also said it was "nonsense" to legislate respect for the Ottoman sultans.

But Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy Özcan Yeniçeri said there could be a way to create a general law that would require the respect of all Turkish leaders rather than a specific one without harming democratic rights and the liberties of people.