Turkish police detain rapper Murda over 'promoting drug use' in songs

Turkish police have detained rapper Murda over promoting drug use. The 37-year-old singer was released on condition of judicial control.

Duvar English 

Turkish police have detained Turkish-Dutch rapper Murda over promoting drug use at Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport. 

Murda, whose real name is Önder Doğan, was detained upon landing in Istanbul for a concert on Oct. 16. 

The 37-year-old singer was accused of promoting drug use in his songs Duman, Pahalı and Eh Baba. 

He was released on condition of judicial control. 

Murda is not the first rapper that was arrested for "inciting drug use." In May 2018, Ezhel, whose real name is Sercan İpekçioğlu, was arrested for encouraging drug use in his song lyrics and video clips.

His arrest had led to a social media campaign by supporters, with many users calling for his release using the hashtag “FreeEzhel.” He was acquitted in the first hearing of the case in June 2018.

Ezhel and Murda have collaborated on numerous songs. 

Man discovers massive Roman mosaic floor while gardening Turkish man dies by suicide after murdering two women on same day Turkey lifts visa requirement for six countries Record number of resident foreigners leave Turkey in 2023 Turkey's stray dogs rehomed abroad following new street clearance law Women in Turkey take to streets over brutal femicides