The İstanbul Prosecutor’s Office detained and then released 11 people who publicly supported the national economic boycott in Turkey on April 2.
The national boycott on April 2 was launched as a continuation of pro-democracy protests by the public and then made official with the opposition party CHP’s announcement.
Amongst the 11 detainees was actor Cem Yigit Uzumoglu, known for his roles in the Netflix docu-series “Rise of Empires: Ottoman” and the award-winning movie “Karanlık Gece”.
The prosecutor based the investigation on charges of “hate and discrimination” and “inciting the public to hatred and hostility”. The official statement described the call for a boycott as “divisive rhetoric”.
Uzumoglu’s statement on Instagram, which resulted in his detainment, was: “A boycott is a form of protest that falls under the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
All 11 of the detainees have been released under judicial control.
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Artists removed from public broadcaster TRT’s series
Aybuke Pusat, the lead actress in public broadcaster TRT’s series “Teskilat”, is another artist whose call for a boycott led to her dismissal from the show.
TRT’s (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) General Manager Prof. Dr. Zahit Sobacı announced her termination on X: “Those involved in TRT projects cannot be a part of a political campaign that targets the economy of our country, aims to shape politics and society, and seeks to polarize the nation."
He added: “Pusat’s posts are in direct contradiction with TRT's corporate values. As a result of these posts, which also disappointed Teskilat viewers, the actor has been removed from the show."
Pusat’s removal from the show remains effective even after she deleted her post in support of the boycott.
The artists who backed Pusat, Boran Kuzum and Furkan Andic, were also removed from the series broadcasted by TRT.
Opposition party leader Ozgur Ozel backed Pusat by stating: “Wherever Aybüke plays, we will make sure she breaks records. Whatever series she stars in, we will support it."
CHP’s viral MP, Mahmut Tanal, was at Caglayan Courthouse where Uzumoglu was being held. He addressed members of the press by saying that those who initiated this investigation had abused their power.
The Actors’ Syndicate also showed support for both Pusat and Uzumoglu: “Artistic work derives its meaning from freedom of expression. No actor can be fired simply for voicing their thoughts."
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