Turkish prosecutors seek prison sentence for ‘free the nipple’ banner

An Istanbul prosecutor’s office has sought up to one year prison sentence for model Melisa Yaren Aydınalp for “inappropriate clothing” and holding a banner reading “Free the nipple” in public.

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Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared an indictment into model Melisa Yaren Aydınalp, demanding her get a prison sentence of up to one year for “inappropriate clothing” and holding a banner reading “Free the nipple” (“Memelere özgürlük” in Turkish) in public.

On Dec. 10, 2023, Aydınalp marched through Istanbul’s famous Bağdat Street while holding a banner reading “Free the nipple” in Turkish. During her march, police detained Aydınalp.

After her brief detention, a court imposed an international travel ban on Aydınalp and released her.

Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared an indictment into Aydınalp based on “video footage” and “a citizen's report,” Demirören News Agency reported on Feb. 6.

The prosecutors have demanded a prison sentence from six months up to one year for Aydınalp on charge of “engaging in lewd acts.”

In her testimony, Aydınalp rejected the charges, saying “the private parts of her body were not exposed.”

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