Prosecutors have filed an indictment over alleged obscene online content hitting dozens of adult content creators and influencers in Turkey
Dozens of adult stars are facing up to 10 years in prison in Turkey as part of a crackdown on online sexual content. Prosecutors have filed an indictment over alleged obscene online content hitting a total of 27 adult content creators and influencers.
The case is being heard in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, and the centre of the country’s media and entertainment industry, following a cybercrime investigation which began months earlier.
Prosecutors claim the suspects earned money by producing and sharing sexual content through a particular adult site and other subscription-based online platforms.
The adult site the models used has been blocked in Turkey since June 2023, but investigators claim some users continued accessing the site by changing IP addresses or directing followers through other platforms.
The case comes during a wider cultural divide in Turkey between secular, Western-facing urban lifestyles and the country’s more conservative political and social establishment.
Adult websites and similar platforms have become a flashpoint in that argument. Critics see the platforms as part of a wider erosion of traditional values. But supporters argue adult sites are being punished for private online choices.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched the probe after claims influencers were making money from adult content despite the ban.
Investigators examined bank accounts, money transfers, company records and assets linked to suspects named in the case. The investigation previously led to simultaneous police raids in Istanbul and several other provinces on 13 February.
Officers detained 17 suspects during the operation, while detention orders were issued for 25 people in total. Some of the those named in the case were reportedly abroad at the time, while others were already in custody in connection with separate investigations.
Authorities also ordered measures against assets worth millions of Turkish lira, including vehicles, properties and company accounts. Police previously said TRY 300 million, around GBP 5 million, was seized or frozen as part of the case. The indictment now seeks prison sentences of up to 10 years for each of the 27 defendants.
Turkish media reports the defendants are named Gizem Bagdacicek, Merve Taskin, Azranur Ay Vandan, Zeynep Alkan, Ebru Arman, Meltem Bakir, Gizem Avci, Yagmur Simsek, Oznur Guven, Cansu Bade Tas, Kubra Yurdakul, Arzu Yilmaz. Ceyda Ersoy, Derin Gur, Dilber Dogan, Eda Alboya, Eme Nur Suder, Kadriye Degirmenci, Lina Su Ozgen, Yaprak Meric Yucel, Nisanur Kavak, Tugce Cansu Parlak, Tulin Arikoglu, Burcin Erol and Serpil Cansiz, are also reportedly listed in the indictment.
Turkish media reported the indictment has been accepted, meaning the defendants are now expected to appear in court. The suspects have been accused of producing obscene content and earning money from material. Prosecutors have claimed these actions have breached Turkish law.
The defendants will be able to give their legal responses when the trial opens. Officials have stated the judicial process is currently ongoing.
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