The Law on High Treason is enacted
While fighting the occupying forces in the first years of the National Struggle, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was simultaneously challenged by rebellions and destructive propaganda. The creation of a proper army –and thus prevention of draft-dodgers– and the elimination of any threats against internal security were necessary measures to succeed at the front. After the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly, the central government felt the need to enact a law that would make its authority sovereign and prevent desertion by maintaining internal security.
On April 29, 1920, the Grand National Assembly sanctioned the Law on High Treason (Hiyanet-i Vataniye), which considered those defying the authority and decisions of the Assembly as “traitors.” Accordingly, “Those, by means of publication, active participation or public speech, who oppose and undermine the legitimacy of the Grand National Assembly [were] considered traitors.” Independence Tribunals were established on October 29, 1920 to enforce the said law.
