Artists face escalating pressure with attacks, event bans

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The Platform for Monitoring Freedom of Art (SÖZ) has recently published its January-June 2023 report, shedding light on the persistent pressures faced by artists in Turkey, including censorship, targeting, insults, threats, and attacks.

According to the report, there were 11 instances of censorship and self-censorship in six months, accompanied by punitive measures aimed at intimidating artists. These unjust penalties, which are deployed to discourage artistic expression, have become a common tool.

The report also highlights 27 cases of targeting, insults, threats, and physical attacks against artists, indicating the alarming escalation of hostility in the artistic community.

In addition, 14 events were canceled or banned, as the legal system was increasingly used as a means of controlling artists. During the first half of 2023, artists found themselves entangled in a total of 37 lawsuits, investigations, and detentions.

The trend of event cancellations, which gained attention in 2022 with a particular impact on concerts featuring women artists, has continued to grow in the first six months of 2023. The report reveals that a total of 14 events were affected by bans or cancellations.

Furthermore, the report sheds light on the legal hurdles that artists face, with ongoing legal cases reaching a staggering 37.

The report also highlights six cases of deportation orders and visa restrictions. In June, two artists were denied visas for their international concerts, while three foreign artists faced deportation orders. Additionally, one artist was prohibited from leaving the country. (AÖ/VK)