Turkish court sentences musician to prison for performing Kurdish songs
A Turkish court sentenced musician Kasım Taşdoğan to a 30-months in prison for "spreading terrorism propaganda" by performing three Kurdish songs. A local court had overturned Taşdoğan's 2024 acquittal.
Duvar English
A Turkish court on Jan. 14 sentenced musician Kasım Taşdoğan to 30 months in prison on charges of "spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization" for performing the three Kurdish songs.
Taşdoğan was initially acquitted on March 19, 2024. However, the prosecutor appealed the decision requesting a retrial, according to reporting by the online news outlet Evrensel.
Taşdoğan faced charges for performing the song "Serhildan Jiyan E" during the 2023 Newroz celebrations in the eastern Kars province and the songs "Ronahî-Berîvan" and "Hatin" in the western Çanakkale province.
Taşdoğan stated that the songs had been performed by many artists and added, "There is no ban on the three songs. We presented a document from the record label to the court. The acquittal was clearly the appropriate ruling. However, we are aware of how the system operates. This decision is a step toward imposing bans in the future."
Taşdoğan said the ruling did not discourage him, remarking, "I see it as something that motivates me to do better. I will continue singing my songs."
He announced plans to appeal the court's decision.