Merjem, a tourist from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is accused of insulting a Turkish national symbol. She posted a short video of herself pole dancing around a flagpole at Uchisar Castle in Cappadocia. In the video, she climbs the flagpole beneath the Turkish flag and performs professional dance moves at sunset.
After receiving negative reactions, Merjem responded to critics on social media, calling them "petty". She claimed all the Turkish people present were "amazed" by her performance.
However, authorities in the Nevsehir region of Turkey have opened a criminal investigation into the incident. Merjem could face up to five years in prison for two separate offenses.
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Merjem performs dance moves with the flagpole. Photo: NY Post |
Merjem performs dance moves with the flagpole. Photo: NY Post
Emre Caliskan, a local member of parliament for the conservative AK Party in Nevsehir, said disrespecting national values and spirit is unacceptable. "We will closely monitor this to ensure the necessary legal action is taken against this individual. We will not tolerate any disrespect towards our national values," Caliskan said.
The Nevsehir Governor's Office confirmed a criminal complaint has been filed, and prosecutors opened an investigation under two separate articles of the Turkish Penal Code. A spokesperson said the Nevsehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched the criminal investigation against the foreign national under Articles 300 and 301 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Video of the tourist pole dancing under the Turkish flag. Video: NY Post
Under Article 300 of the Turkish Penal Code, showing contempt or disrespect towards the Turkish flag is punishable by up to three years in prison. Offenses include "tearing, burning or similar actions". In 2021, a court in Adana province, southern Turkey, ordered the arrest of a woman for removing a Turkish flag hanging outside a shop and throwing it in a nearby trash can.
Article 301 stipulates penalties for insulting the Turkish nation and related institutions, with a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.
Uchisar Castle in Cappadocia sits on a natural rock formation and is known as the highest peak in the area. Those who climb to the 60-meter summit are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Hoai Anh (Daily Star)
