Decision made to continue Murat Övüç's detention
It has been decided that social media influencer Murat Övüç, who is being tried over a video he shared, will remain in custody.
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In the case heard at the Küçükçekmece 5th Criminal Court of First Instance, the detained defendant Murat Övüç attended the hearing via the SEGBİS system. During the hearing, where Övüç's lawyers were also present in the courtroom, the influencer argued in his defense that the purpose of the video post was to make women who wear headscarves happy and to produce humorous content. Claiming that he had no malicious intent, Övüç apologized, stating that he had been misunderstood.
He stated that the video was filmed in February 2024 and shared on his Instagram account, which has since been closed. Saying that his account was shut down due to the stage costumes in his content, Övüç noted that he has been posting photos in suits on his new account. Finally, he requested his release and acquittal.
PROSECUTOR REQUESTED CONTINUATION OF DETENTION
In his assessment during the hearing, the public prosecutor requested that the court decide to keep Murat Övüç in custody. The court panel, in its interim decision, ruled for the continuation of the defendant's detention. The hearing was adjourned to a later date for the completion of missing points.
In the indictment prepared by the Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that during internet scans conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Cyber Crimes Investigation Branch, it was observed that Murat Övüç wore a headscarf in a video and that this footage was shared on a social media account.
The indictment included findings that, as a result of the examinations, the defendant used a black and red headscarf, drew attention to a ring he wore on his right hand, and that a folk song was playing in the background. The charge brought against Övüç is acting in a manner that mocks the headscarf and provokes other segments of the public against the community that wears headscarves. For this reason, a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years is requested for the crime of 'publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility'.
The date of the next hearing will be determined in the coming days.