Furious Algerian deputies then tried to criminalise French colonialism.
Mohamed Ibrahim, its secretary general, said: "The government is trying to criminalise the media profession.
But there is no sillier use of the police's time than trying to criminalise a substance that has lubricated student life since universities were invented.
Some hope that the European Union might be able to curb Mr Erdogan's occasional blunders, as happened when he tried to criminalise adultery last year.
The capital's government-allied mayor had refused the marchers a permit to hold the "empty pots" rally, leading opposition leader Henrique Capriles to accuse authorities of trying to "criminalise" peaceful protests.
He has also managed to neutralise most potential checks on his power, including the army, the judiciary and the media, which he has intimidated into self-censorship.Hints of his intolerance came during his first term, when he tried to criminalise adultery.
This year on Valentine's Day I won't be able to work because I'll be with the other girls in the English Collective of Prostitutes asking the public to support us against Members of Parliament who are trying to criminalise clients.
"They tried to criminalise innocent, constitutionally protected activity and it was very wrong what they did".
The anti-cuts movement needs to take on the state's attempt to criminalise protest.
For years now, the police, governments and secret services have spied on, infiltrated and tried to discredit or criminalise those fighting economic injustice, racism, environmental devastation and state surveillance.
