Publisher and Author of ‘Zümrüt Apartment’ Book Released on Probation

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After the book "Zümrüt Apartment" penned by Abdullah Şevki and published by Kurgu Cultural Center Publications has caused outrage on social media, a criminal complaint was filed against the book yesterday (May 28).

As a criminal complaint was filed for "praising child abuse", the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation against the book and its author Abdullah Şevki was taken into custody last evening.

Submitting himself to the Ankara Provincial Directorate General of Security, publisher of the book Alaattin Topçu was also taken into custody today. Şevki and Topçu have been referred to court after their medical examination at Gazi Mustafa Kemal State Hospital.

Author of the book "Zümrüt Apartment" Abdullah Şevki and its publisher Alaattin Topçu have been released on probation later in the day.

In a statement released by the Prosecutor's Office, it has been indicated that upon the criminal complaint filed against the book by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, an investigation has been launched for "obscenity" as per the Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

Statement by the Ministry of Family

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services has also made a statement on the incident and said, "It is seen on social media and in some news that the book published in 2013 contains pedophilic expressions."

Within this context, the Ministry has also announced that a criminal complaint has been filed against the author, publishers and distributors of the book in question as per the Article 226 of the TCK.

"The high benefit of our children and the protection of our moral structure is our priority. We will continue our struggle against all types of content that would affect the mental, psychological and physical development of our children", the Ministry has further indicated in its statement.

The expressions recounting child abuse in the book entitled "Zümrüt Apartment" have caused outrage for "legitimizing and incenting pedophilia" and have been strongly criticized on social media. (AÖ/SD)