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The Animal Rights Center of the İstanbul Bar Association has announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against singer Yıldız Tilbe, who said in a later-deleted tweet about street animals: "May the people of the region give them poisoned meat; let them all kick the bucket."
In a statement on Twitter, the Center has said, "A criminal complaint has been filed by us against Yıldız Tible, who incited and provoked people to commit crimes, disobey the laws and kill our animals".
According to the statement of the Animal Rights Center, the related call of the singer "constituted the crime of provoking the public to commit crimes as per the Article 214 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK)" since she called on people to kill animals by giving them poisoned meat.
The Animal Rights Center has aşso recalled that killing a pet such as a dog and cat, be that with or without an owner, constitutes a crime as per the Article 28/A/2 of the Law no. 5199 on Protecting Animals.
Further in its statement, the Center has noted that considering that the crime was committed via the press, it will mean an increase in the foreseen penalty by half, adding: "If the crime defined in the Law no. 5199 is committed due to this call, Tilbe will be held accountable as the instigator of the related crime as per the Article 214/3 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK)".
Outrage at Tilbe's remarks
Several social media users lashed out at Tilbe's call for killing street animals by commenting on her related tweet. In addition to several posts under the hashtag "#YıldızTilbeBoykot" (Boycott Yıldız Tilbe), several artists and celebrities also severely criticized her remarks.
Singer Ajda Pekkan said on Instagram, "Street animals are not unclaimed or unprotected", adding: "We have to display our stance against war and violence in every area of life and against all atrocities and pressure to be inflicted on every living being. I am really sorry. I do not stay silent to any death warrant against the oppressed. We are here to keep alive."
Musician Ceylan Ertem also denounced Yıldız Tilbe's tweet, calling on her to delete her tweet, apologize and donate her concert revenue to street animals. "To me, such statements mean being a party to murders while hundreds of animals are getting killed and we cannot prevent it," said Ertem further, announcing that she will no longer sing Tilbe's song "El Adamı".
Fashion designer and stylist Başak Dizer Tatlıtuğ also severely criticized Yıldız Tilbe's call for killing street animals on Instagram.
She has deleted the tweet
Amid this huge public backlash, singer Yıldız Tilbe has deleted her tweet and said, "No one can declare me an enemy of animals. If you love animals so much, then, take one to your house."
In her now-deleted tweet, Yıldız Tilbe wrote, "May the people of the region give poisoned meat to attacking dog groups, let them all kick the bucket. What is it to tear off humans?" (TP/SD)
