Fazil Say, who has played with the New York Philharmonic, the
Berlin Symphony Orchestra and others, is on trial for sending
tweets that included one in April that joked about a call to
prayer that lasted only 22 seconds.
Say tweeted: ‘Why such haste? Have you got a mistress
waiting or a raki on the table?’ Raki is a traditional
alcoholic drink made with aniseed. Islam forbids alcohol and
many Islamists consider the remarks unacceptable.
Prosecutors in June charged Say with inciting hatred and
public enmity, and with insulting “religious values.” He
faces a maximum 18 months prison term, although any sentence
is likely to be suspended.
Say, who has served as a cultural ambassador for the European
Union, rejected the charges and demanded his acquittal,
according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
The private Dogan news agency said the trial was adjourned
until Feb. 18.
(MORE: Turkey’s Massive Military Trial Opens Old Wounds and
New Anxieties)
The prosecution has caused anger among intellectuals in
Turkey and escalated concerns over freedom of expression in
the country. Hundreds of his fans, supporters and human
rights activists went to the courthouse in Istanbul in a show
of solidarity, holding up signs that read: “Fazil Say is not
alone” and “Free Art, Free World”
Say, 42, is a strong critic of the government of Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a devout Muslim who has
preached conservative values, alarming some secular Turks who
fear the government plans to make religion part of their
lifestyle.
