Cyprus-Forum.com

[Simon]

[quote]Turkish singer tried over dissent [/quote]

[quote]One of Turkey's best known singers, Bulent Ersoy, has gone on trial charged with attempting to turn the public against military service.

The charges were brought after she suggested it was not worth sacrificing soldiers' lives in Turkey's conflict with the Kurdish separatist PKK group.

The transsexual singer made her comments on television last February.

The army was conducting a major operation against the PKK in northern Iraq at the time.

Some 40,000 people have died since the conflict with the PKK began in 1984.

Ms Ersoy did not show up in court, saying she had to attend a concert, so the trial has been postponed until September, when she will be obliged to attend.

Ms Ersoy has already said she will stand by her comments.

But she faces up to four-and-a-half years in prison if she is convicted.

Criticism risky

Hakkan Ozgur, one of those who submitted an official complaint against her, was in court for the start of the trial.

"The Turkish military is fighting a war on terror," he said.

Some suggest that behind closed doors, many Turks share Bulent Ersoy's exasperation



Diva puts military on defensive

"I believe making propaganda against this is illegal. It creates doubts in people over whether to go to the military. It sows doubt in the minds of those whose children are already serving."

"The lives of our soldiers are at stake."

Ms Ersoy is Turkey's best known diva, adored across the country, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul.

She was already one of the country's most popular male singers, when in 1981 she underwent a sex-change operation.

But questioning the Turkish military can be a risky business, our correspondent says.

Article 318 of the penal code - dissuading people from military service - is frequently used by the military against its critics.

Meanwhile critics say a separate article, making it a crime to insult the Turkish nation and its institutions, is used to stifle free speech.

Ms Ersoy's trial may well scare many others into silence, our correspondent says. [/quote]


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7460649.stm

[bill cobbett]

Article 318 of the penal code - dissuading people from military service - is frequently used by the military against its critics.

Meanwhile critics say a separate article, making it a crime to insult the Turkish nation and its institutions, is used to stifle free speech.

Can I just say to any young people from Turkey not to support the fascist turkish state - refuse to do national disservice. Can I also be allowed to criticise the crap expansionist turkish nation and I would also add that I would be happy to wipe my bum with that state's flag but only if it came on rolls suitable for delicate skin.

That should get me a few years.

[Oracle]

As a compromise .. I propose all male Turks should become transvestites / gender-benders ... before or during doing Military disservice for Turkey ...

If those 40,000 Turkish troops on Cyprus, wish to cross-gender and become female, I am sure there may be EU funds to assist and certainly they can then seek asylum ...

I for one may support an appeal by them to stay in Cyprus, if they put down their guns, picked up the lipstick and teetered towards the green line in stilettos!

[growuptcs]

Oracle:

As a compromise .. I propose all male Turks should become transvestites / gender-benders ... before or during doing Military disservice for Turkey ...

If those 40,000 Turkish troops on Cyprus, wish to cross-gender and become female, I am sure there may be EU funds to assist and certainly they can then seek asylum ...

I for one may support an appeal by them to stay in Cyprus, if they put down their guns, picked up the lipstick and teetered towards the green line in stilettos!

I wont support that, because they'll have an excuse to draft pimps from Turkey anytime they want. They'll find a way of making pimping.............................easy.