Turkish parliament approves bill expanding police powers despite charges of 'authoritarianism'

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey's parliament has approved a contentious security bill giving police heightened powers to search, arrest and use firearms.

The bill, passed early on Friday, was criticized by opposition parties who say the government is leading Turkey toward authoritarianism.

The measure is also a blow to a Kurdish peace process aimed at ending an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands of people.

The legislation expands police rights to use firearms, allows them to search people or vehicles, and detain people for up to 48 hours without court authorization. The measures would give governors — not just prosecutors and judges — the right to order arrests.

The main opposition said it would take the measure to Turkey's Constitutional Court seeking its overturn. Legislators have brawled during debate on the bill.