Second Court Case for Turkish Publisher of “God Delusion”

The Sisli Chief Public Prosecution in Istanbul has brought an action against publisher Erol Karaaslan of Kuzey Publications for “inciting people to hatred and hostility or denigration”.

Last year, the complaint of an Emre Bukağılı about the Turkish translation of the “God Delusion” book by Dawkins resulted in a court case in which the publisher was acquitted on 2 April 2008.

Now a complaint by a Sonia Eskinazi, who says that the book insults Judaism, Allah and the prophets, has resulted in a new court case.

Same accusation

Karaaslan will be tried at the same court, the Şişli 2nd Criminal Court, on 16 June. Like the first time, the articles cited are Articles 216/1-3 and 54 of the Turkish Penal Code.

The publisher faces up to four years imprisonment.

On 30 October, Eskinazi filed her complaint, in which she said that the 360-page book contained insults of the Jewish religion, Allah, and prophets much-loved by Jews.

Five particular pages have been cited in the indictment for overstepping the mark of criticism, and inciting hatred or denigration.

At the publisher’s acquittal on 2 April, the court had cited an expert’s report had said that there was no sign of insult to Islam, and that the book referred to a corrupted Torah/Old Testament. The report also said that the book offered a balance of opinions and that there was no need to confiscate it. (EÖ/TK/AG)