ISTANBUL, 06 November 2022, (TON): Turkiye’s main opposition party has said its leader is the first target of a media disinformation law after police asked prosecutors to open an investigation into comments he made blaming authorities for a drug epidemic.

Last month parliament passed a law sought by President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party that allows judges to impose jail sentences of up to three years on anyone who spreads false or misleading information.

Critics say what can be deemed false or misleading under the law is vaguely defined and open to abuse, and the legislation has raised deep concerns over free speech ahead of next year’s elections in Turkiye, and questions over who might be prosecuted.

Kilicdaroglu is seen by many as the most likely candidate to challenge Erdogan in a presidential election set for next June.