Up to 3 years in prison sought for Tuba Ulu

Comedian Tuba Ulu will appear before a judge tomorrow in the case opened against her due to a joke she made about the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent during her stand-up show. Ulu faces up to 3 years in prison on charges of "inciting the public to hatred and hostility."

The hearing will be held on Monday, July 6, at 11:00 AM at the Istanbul 13th Criminal Court of First Instance. The indictment prepared against Ulu requests that she be punished for her statements on stage.

It was stated that the process began after a clip from Ulu's show was circulated on social media. As part of the investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Ulu was detained on allegations of "insulting historical, national, and spiritual values" and was released under judicial control.

Following her release, Ulu made a statement on her social media account, apologizing and stating that the words she used might have crossed the line.

SUPPORT STATEMENT FROM THE ACTORS' UNION

The Actors' Union reacted to Ulu being put on trial for a joke she made on stage. In its statement, the union said, "Humor cannot be put on trial; freedom of expression is not a crime."

Art and freedom of expression are once again becoming a matter for the judiciary. However, art, criticism, humor, and freedom of expression are indispensable elements of a democratic society.

The union announced that they stand with Tuba Ulu, stating that solidarity is one of the most powerful ways to defend freedom of expression.

Ulu's remarks regarding Suleiman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan in the show she performed in April had sparked debate on social media and became the subject of an investigation.