Several journalism organizations in Turkey have accused Erdogan’s government of proposing a bill they describe as an attempt to silence the country’s opposition in the run-up to general elections next year.

The organizations argue the bill that renews the country’s Press Law will merely hinder the work of reporters and will impose sanctions on the internet, social media and the press by conveniently charging them with disseminating disinformation and causing public panic.

“Yesterday, in Istanbul and in several provinces, we organized street protests and made joint statements and today we (journalists organizations including AEJ Turkey Representation) organized the biggest of those protests in Ankara’s Ulus Square,” the groups write in a statement released today.

The organizations protesting the bill:

AEJ Turkey Representation

Progressive Journalists Association

DISK Press Workers Union

Economy Reporters Association

Journalists Society of Ankara

Journalists Society of Izmir

Media and Communication Workers Union

Parliament Correspondents Association

Photo Journalists Association of Turkey

Journalists Society of Turkey

Journalists Confederation of Turkey

Journalists Union of Turkey

Association of News Cameramen of Turkey

Women in Journalism Coalition of Turkey