Lawsuit Against Ferhat Tunç on Allegation of Insulting President

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A lawsuit has been filed against musician Ferhat Tunç for allegedly having insulted the President.

Launching an investigation against Tunç in relation with 10 different tweets that he posted in 2016, the Büyükçekmece Public Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against the musician. The indictment has been accepted by the Büyükçekmece 7th Penal Court of First Instance.

In the indictment prepared by Prosecutor Hakan Güneş, it has been alleged that Ferhat Tunç has committed the offense of "insulting the President" as per the Article no. 299 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

Ferhat Tunç will stand trial at the Büyükçekmece 7th Penal Court of First Instance at 11 a.m. on January 9, 2019.

Tunç: "They apparently have special scores to settle with me"

Ferhat Tunç has commented on the lawsuit as follows:

"It seems that they will continue filing new lawsuits in relation with my old tweets. To be honest, I am now having difficulties in following these lawsuits.

"I am of the opinion that as a dissident artist, I have the right to criticize everyone who is in the wrong, be that the President.

"However, a dark period has been prevailing in this country, where expressing opinions is not considered a right. They view even the smallest criticism as an insult and turn it into a matter in dispute at court.

"They apparently have some special scores to settle with me. To tell the truth, I have become the target of an a hostile attitude.

"I believe that it has something to do with my over-sensitivity towards fundamental human rights and freedoms.

"The justice in this country is being utilized as an instrument to silence and make surrender every dissident." (EKN/SD)