Journalist Candemir briefly detained for comments critical of Ottoman-era TV series 'Diriliş Ertuğrul'

Turkish police on Sept. 7 detained Oktay Candemir as part of an investigation against the journalist for his media posts and articles said to be critical of the Ottoman-era TV series "Diriliş Ertuğrul." A day later, Candemir was released under judicial control measures and a travel ban as a per a court order.

Duvar English

Journalist Oktay Candemir was on Sept. 7 detained in his home in the eastern province of Van for his social media posts and articles said to be critical of the Ottoman-era TV series “Diriliş Ertuğrul.”

On Sept. 8, he was referred to the Criminal Court of Peace with a request for judicial control. The court ruled to release Candemir under judicial control measures and a travel ban.

As part of the investigation, Candemir faces charges of “insulting the memory of” Ertuğrul Ghazi, the father of Ottoman Empire founder Osman I.

If found guilty, Candemir can receive a jail sentence as per the violation of the Article 130 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Press in Arrest, a volunteer group monitoring investigations and trials of journalists, said this is the first time that a journalist has been accused of these charges.

Diriliş Ertuğrul, set in 13th century Anatolia, now modern-day Turkey, is based on stories of the Oghuz Turks, fighting Byzantines.

Topics Turkey Diriliş Ertuğrul Oktay Candemir Candemir Ertuğrul