27/03/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
The second hearing of the case against Mabel Matiz, filed on charges of “obscenity” over his song Perperişan, was held. The Ministry of Family’s request to intervene in the case was accepted.
The second hearing of the case filed against Mabel Matiz on charges of “obscenity,” based on his song Perperişan, was held today at the Istanbul 54th Criminal Court of First Instance.
According to T24 reporter Can Öztürk, the judge stated that the report prepared by the Board for the Protection of Minors from Harmful Publications included an assessment that the best interests of children had been violated, but emphasized that the final decision rests with the court. The Ministry of Family’s request to intervene in the case was accepted, and the hearing was adjourned to April 30 at 09:30.
Mabel Matiz did not attend today’s hearing. His lawyers were present in the courtroom to present the defense.
Ministry of Family lawyer demands punishment
A lawyer representing the Ministry of Family also spoke during the hearing, stating:
“As the Ministry, we request that the defendant be punished. The evaluation in the report from the Board for the Protection of Minors from Harmful Publications indicates that the song violates the best interests of children. Although the report emphasizes that the person is an artist, we believe the defendant should still be punished.”
“What should be debated is whether obscenity exists”
Matiz’s lawyer, speaking in response, said:
“The main issue to be debated is whether obscenity exists within the scope of the Turkish Penal Code. Your court should examine whether obscenity is legally present and whether the material elements of the offense are fulfilled. Although the report states that the best interests of children have been violated, this does not constitute obscenity under the Penal Code. There is no pornographic element beyond eroticism. Obscenity requires pornographic content. Based on our statements, we request that the case proceed without being referred to an expert.”
Hearing adjourned to April 30
The prosecutor requested that the Ministry of Family’s request to intervene be accepted. The court approved the request. It was stated that, since the prosecutor assigned to the case is on one-week leave, an opinion on the merits could not be presented. The judge noted that the file would be sent to the prosecution during the interim and that the opinion on the merits would be prepared. The hearing was adjourned to April 30 at 09:30.
What was in the indictment?
The indictment stated that the expressions in the song “indirectly incite sexual desire, contain erotic connotations through physical and emotional metaphors, and include descriptions of sexual intercourse.” It argued that these depictions are understandable to everyone and that broadcasting the song without age restrictions poses a risk to children. The indictment requested a prison sentence of six months to three years for Mabel Matiz on charges of “facilitating the publication of obscene material.”
At the first hearing, the judge had asked Mabel Matiz, “Was this song written for a man?” Matiz responded: “I find this question upsetting and hurtful. You wouldn’t have asked this if an arabesque singer had performed it. Anyone can sing for anyone.”
Tags: human rights, media, life
