Verdict of Non-Prosecution for Artist Deniz Çakır by Prosecutor’s Office

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The Prosecutor's Office has ruled that there is a lack of grounds for legal action in the investigation that was previously launched against artist Deniz Çakır regarding the allegation that she insulted two women wearing headscarves in a shopping mall in İstanbul.

While a verdict of non-prosecution has been given by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the charges of "openly inciting the public to enmity and hatred" and "violation of privacy", it has been reported that the investigation conducted on "insult" charges has still continuing since the file of the case will be sent to the Conciliatory Commission.

After they receive the verdict, both sides will have 15 days for objection.

What happened?

Seven women filed a criminal complaint against artist Deniz Çakır on the allegation that she insulted them while they were sitting in a cafe at the Zorlu Center shopping mall in İstanbul. On January 6, 2019, on a Sunday, an investigation was launched against Çakır on charge of "insult." Releasing a statement on her Instagram account after some time, the artist said that the accusations did not reflect the truth, adding that video footages of the incident could be watched if needs be.

After this incident, Deniz Çakır was targeted by ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who claimed that Çakır said to the veiled women, 'You should go to Saudi Arabia."

In her deposition to the İstanbul Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Murat Çağlak, Çakır said,

"I firmly rejected all of the accusations against me. I have never discriminated against anyone based on whether they are men or women, wear headscarves or not, or based on their lifestyle, gender, religion, belief or color. On the contrary, I participated in social projects to unite people.

"I have struggled a lot, not to separate people, but to unite them. I did not do any of the mentioned acts. I have already made my deposition. The accusations are in contrast with my stance. An artist does not discriminate against women because they do or do not wear headscarves."

(HA/SD)