Union of Turkish Bar Associations files lawsuit seeking annulment of midnight music ban

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) has filed an application with the Council of State, the top administrative court of Turkey, demanding the stay of execution and annulment of the midnight music ban.

On the date when the Ministry of Interior published the latest circular about the issue, the coronavirus measures had already been lifted, noted the TTB.

The purpose of the circular was not the "protection of public health" and "public good," the union said, adding, "The circular that does not have objective standards is unlawful in terms of the purpose.

CLICK - Music ban after midnight still in force in Turkey: 'Does music transmit COVID-19?'

CLICK - Music ban after midnight: 'Musicians get poor, businesses shut down'

"Moreover, within the framework of the legislation, the institution authorized to music [broadcast] hours is the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate and the defendant ministry does not have any responsibility, duty or authority about the issue.

" As long as the circular whose cancellation is requested remains in effect, the freedom of science and art, which is given to individuals as a constitutional right with public interest, and the principle of protection of art and artists will be damaged."

The music ban was introduced in 2020 and has remained in place despite all measures but the mask mandate in public transport and in health care institutions have been lifted.

On May 10, the Ministry of Interior pushed the start of the ban from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. "considering the season and the demands of the tourists." (RT/VK)