FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Prosecution demands the acquittal of author Nedim Gürsel, who has been on trial for "inciting hatred" and "insulting religious beliefs" in his latest book "Daughters of Allah".

During today's hearing, the judge postponed the case to 26 May in order to evaluate the case.

On another account, a second case against the book has been filed, following a complaint by Ali Emre Bukağılı. That case will also be seen on 26 May.

Gürsel was absent in today's hearing. His lawyers Şehnaz Yüzer and Kemal Evren Alpar represented him. France vice-consulate in Istanbul, Alain Dubuis witnessed the case.

Bukağılı demanded to be involved at the case, saying, "The book includes insults to our prophet, to his wives, to other prophets and our holy book Quran. I'm a Muslim and I've been disturbed by the book." The court rejected this demand on grounds that he hasn't been directly harmed by the incident.

Prosecution claimed that there isn't enough evidence to prove that quotes from the book such as "didn't Allah have anything to do?" "Allah's daughters lying naked..." harmed public peace.

Furthermore, the prosecution alleged that there was no concrete evidence proving an "immediate threat" to public security, therefore ruling out the accusation of inciting hatred among people.

Lawyer Yüzer said the case should be void; claiming a four-month statue of limitation after the publication of the book was exceeded before the case was brought to court.(EÖ/AGÜ)