Warrant against musician Ferhat Tunç

* Photo: Archive / AA

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The trial of musician Ferhat Tunç continued at the İstanbul Büyükçekmece 14th Penal Court of First Instance today (September 15).

While Tunç is charged with "insulting the President" over his social media posts from four years ago, the court ruled in his previous hearing that a request for "mutual judicial assistance" be made to Germany so that his testimony could be taken in the country where he is currently living.

Germany has rejected this request. In today's hearing held in the absence of Ferhat Tunç, the court has issued a warrant against the musician and adjourned the hearing to February 23, 2021.

'It is against our Constitution'

According to the answer of the Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany has rejected the local court's request for "judicial assistance" on the grounds that "the right to freedom of expression is an unalienable fundamental right in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany."

Against this backdrop, it has been further indicated that "the fulfillment of Turkey's request for judicial assistance would conflict with the Constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Germany as per the Article 2b of the European Convention on the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters."

Prosecution demanded 'warrant' against Tunç

In response to this rejection, the prosecution demanded that a warrant be issued against Tunç and the musician's return to Turkey be awaited so that his testimony can be taken in the country.

Accepting the demands of the prosecutor's office, the court board has adjourned the hearing to September 23, 2021. (TP/SD)