Turkish pop star Gülşen, known for her support for LGBT rights, has been arrested on suspicion of “inciting hatred and enmity” after she made a joke about religious schools. Women’s and LGBTI+ activists are supporting Gülşen’s freedom of expression and demand her release immediately.
Turkish pop star Gülşen has been arrested on suspicion of “inciting hatred and enmity” after she made a joke about religious schools this week.
The charges relate to comments she made during a concert in Istanbul in April when she quipped that one of her musicians’ “perversion” was because he went to an Imam Hatip religious school.
A video of the singer making the comments began circulating on social media recently, with a hashtag calling for her arrest.
Gülsen, who had already been the target of Islamic circles for her stage outfits and support for LGBTI+ right, issued an apology for the offense caused but said her comments were seized on by those wanting to deepen polarization in the country.
It was a “joke between colleagues,” she wrote on Instagram. “A joke I made in the working environment was broadcast by people who aim to polarize society. I’m sorry that my words gave the ill-intenioned people who want to polarize our country what they wanted. I see that while I was defending freedom of expression, I was driven to the radical that I criticized. I apologize to everyone who was offended because of my statement in the video. I should have found another language, I will…”
During her questioning, Gülşen rejected accusations that she incited hatred and enmity, telling court authorities that she had “endless respect for the values and sensitivities of my country,” according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
The number of Imam Hatip religious schools have risen sharply under President Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling AK Party is rooted in political Islam and who has overturned decades-old restrictions on religion in the country, irking secularists.
The decision is a political one
Critics say he has bent the courts to his will to crack down on dissent and free expression, charges the government denies.
Veysel Ok from MSLA Turkey, has underlined the political nature of the case as she is arrested on “a criminal suspicion for which the singer does not have to serve time even if sentenced.”
HDP MP Oya Ersoy stated “while Gülsen is arrested, misogynistic people who have stated “People who don’t pray can be killed” are released. The decision is a political one, not a legal one! Your oppression against women will end with women’s solidarity.”