Freemuse campaign in 5 languages: 'Drop charges against Ferhat Tunç'

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

Freemuse, a Denmark-based international non-governmental organisation advocating for freedom of artistic expression and cultural diversity, has launched a campaign for musician Ferhat Tunç, who is facing prison sentences and several charges in Turkey.

Shared with the public in five languages, namely English, Kurdish, French, German and Turkish, the campaign has underlined that freedom of artistic expression is a human right and made the following call:

"Ferhat just wants to make music peacefully and speak his truth – this is not a crime. Email the Minister of Justice in Turkey and call on the authorities to drop all charges on Ferhat."

'He faces more than 20 years'

The campaign has been announced in following words:

"Ferhat Tunç, a popular Kurdish folk musician, is on trial in Turkey simply for sharing messages on social media and an album cover.

"Ferhat is charged with spreading 'propaganda of a terrorist organisation', 'insulting the President' and 'publicly provoking hatred and hostility' in six cases for publishing songs online, an album cover, sharing news articles, tweeting personal opinions. Together, the charges amount to more than 20 years imprisonment.

'He is targeted because of his music'

"Ferhat's case is a testament to Turkey's sweeping anti-terrorism laws, which are criticised for the overly broad definition of what comprises an offence under this law.

"Ferhat faces ongoing targeting from the Government because of his music, which features themes of injustice, war and Kurdish discrimination and has led to widespread popularity.

"His targeting for almost a decade began in 2012 when he was sentenced to two years in prison for 'spreading terrorist propaganda'. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey violated Ferhat's right to freedom of expression in 2015."

Detention warrant issued in mid-September

Most recently, the trial of Ferhat Tunç, who is currently abroad, was held at the Büyükçekmece 14th Penal Court of First Instance in İstanbul on September 15. In this trial, Ferhat is charged with "insulting the President" over his social media messages from four years ago.

In the previous hearing, the court ruled that a request for "mutual judicial assistance" should be made to Germany so that Tunç's testimony could be taken in the country where he is currently living.

Germany rejected this request. In the hearing held in his absence on September 15, the court has issued a warrant against the musician. (TP/SD)

Click to join the campaign