Freedom of Expression

Nedim Gürsel, author of the novel "Daughters of Allah", faces a trial for allegedly "inciting hatred and hostility" and "denigrating religion".

The third hearing of the case took place at the Şişli 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance in Istanbul on Tuesday, 26 May.

Speaking in court, Gürsel said, "This is a novel, and it is not possible for novels to commit crimes. I reject the accusation of having made fun of religion."

The court rejected the demand of Ali Emre Bukağlı to join the case as a third party. His complaints about the book's first and second edition led to the opening of two trials, which were merged at the hearing.

The court also rejected Bukağlı's demand for a change in judge. The next hearing of the case is on 26 June.

Lawyers Şehnaz Yüzer and Kemal Evren Alpar are representing the writer.

Plaintiff Bukağlı and his lawyer Ceyhun Gökdoğan also attended the hearing.

Religious institution overstepping mark

Writer Gürsel criticised the fact that the Directorate of Religious Affairs had prepared a report on the book, saying, "The fact that this institution overstepped the boundaries of its duties and accused me is worrying in terms of a laicist Turkish Republic."

Reading out an article by Abdurrahman Dilipak, Gürsel said that his book did not denigrate religious values.

Later, despite objections by lawyer Yüzer, the lawyer let Bukağlı speak. Bukağlı said that the book insulted the Prophet Muhammed, his wives and the Holy Qur'an. He claimed that the book harmed "social peace", citing readers' comments to news about the book as evidence.

 "Saddening"

At the end of the hearing, Gürsel told bianet, "It is saddening that a writer can be tried with such a mentality." He added that the book should be criticised by literature critics and not the Directorate of Religious Affairs.

The hearing was also attended by painter Bedri Baykam, PEN Turkey president and Birgün newspaper journalist Tarık Günersel, Alain Dubuy, the deputy consul of Istanbul's French Consulate, and Seyfettin Gürsel, older brother of the writer. (BÇ/AG)