Renowned Turkish pianist's trial postponed

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

DHA Photo

Famous Turkish pianist Fazıl Say's trial into remarks he made on Twitter allegedly supporting atheism was postponed until Feb. 18, 2013, by a Istanbul court during a hearing today.

The indictment calls for Say to be sentenced to 18 months in prison for "insulting the religious values of a section of society."

A number of prominent artists have expressed their support for Say in a written statement, protesting court cases that they said are forced upon artists.

Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bağış expressed his regret at the trial: "I wish Fazıl Say wouldn't oblige us to make such explanations on international platforms."

According to allegations, Say said in a tweet that “Wherever there is a stupid person or a thief, they are believers in God. Is this a paradox?”