Crimes of Expression in Turkish Criminal Law

In order that justice be done, it is essential that factualbackgroundis revealed in a truthful manner. For this reason, it is important that contents of the statements upon which the Court'sjudgmentrelied fit the reality. However, it is possible that criminal investigation and prosecution authoritiesmay bemisguided by false statements. Therefore, the offences of perjury (article 272), false statements on oath (article 275) and false statements by expert witness or translator (article 276) are regulated among the offences against the judicial bodies or court in the Turkish Criminal Code (No. 5237). Essentially, the legal interest protected by these offences is the public's interest in the ascertainment of thetruth through the criminal trial which is a function of the government.