Turkish pianist Fazil Say charged over Islam 'insult'

 

Ap
Friday 01 June 2012 15:17 BST
Comments

An internationally known Turkish pianist and composer has been charged with insulting Islamic religious values in comments he made on Twitter.

A court in Istanbul today approved charges against Fazil Say, who has played piano with the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, National Orchestra of France, and Tokyo Symphony.

The 42-year-old faces charges of inciting hatred and public enmity, and insulting "religious values".

Mr Say, who has served as a culture ambassador for the European Union, allegedly mocked Islamic beliefs about paradise.

Meltem Akyol, a lawyer for Mr Say, says the pianist has denied the charges. She says the opening trial will be held on October 18.

He could face a maximum one and a half years in prison if he is convicted.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in