{"id":6609,"date":"2025-04-29T10:02:18","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T10:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/?p=6609"},"modified":"2026-03-16T21:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:58:54","slug":"insult-crime-in-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"Defamation and Insult Crime in Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_small\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-image align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-800x400.jpg\" class=\"attachment-us_800_400 size-us_800_400\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-100x50.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-90x45.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey-120x60.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/insult-crime-in-turkey.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Index<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#WHAT_IS_THE_INSULT_CRIME_UNDER_TURKISH_LAW\">WHAT IS THE INSULT CRIME UNDER TURKISH LAW?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#HOW_IS_THE_CRIME_OF_INSULT_COMMITTED_IN_TURKEY\">HOW IS THE CRIME OF INSULT COMMITTED IN TURKEY?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#DEFINITION_OF_THE_INSULT_CRIME_IN_TURKEY\">DEFINITION OF THE INSULT CRIME IN TURKEY<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_in_the_Presence_Face-to-Face\">Committing the Crime of Insult in the Presence (Face-to-Face)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_in_the_Absence_of_the_Victim\">Committing the Crime of Insult in the Absence of the Victim<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#The_Crime_of_Insult_via_Internet_and_Social_Media\">The Crime of Insult via Internet and Social Media<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#1-_Proving_the_Crime_of_Insult_via_Internet\">1- Proving the Crime of Insult via Internet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#2-_Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_via_Communication_Tools\">2- Committing the Crime of Insult via Communication Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#3-_Crime_of_Insult_via_Messages_Letters_E-mails_WhatsApp_Messages_SMS_Phone_Calls\">3- Crime of Insult via Messages (Letters, E-mails, WhatsApp Messages, SMS, Phone Calls)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#4-_Solution_Process_for_Defamation_Offense_via_the_Internet\">4- Solution Process for Defamation Offense via the Internet<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#WHAT_ARE_THE_ELEMENTS_OF_THE_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\">WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF THE DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#1_Material_Elements_of_the_Defamation_Offense_in_Turkey\">1. Material Elements of the Defamation Offense in Turkey:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#2_Mental_Element_of_the_Defamation_Offense_in_Turkey\">2. Mental Element of the Defamation Offense in Turkey:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#WHAT_ARE_THE_QUALIFIED_FORMS_OF_THE_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\">WHAT ARE THE QUALIFIED FORMS OF THE DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Against_a_Public_Official_Due_to_Their_Duty\">Defamation Against a Public Official Due to Their Duty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Due_to_the_Expression_of_a_Persons_Religious_Political_Social_or_Philosophical_Views_and_Beliefs\">Defamation Due to the Expression of a Person\u2019s Religious, Political, Social, or Philosophical Views and Beliefs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Directed_at_the_Sacred_Values_of_a_Persons_Religion\">Defamation Directed at the Sacred Values of a Person\u2019s Religion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Committed_Publicly\">Defamation Committed Publicly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#WHAT_ARE_THE_FACTORS_THAT_MITIGATE_OR_ELIMINATE_THE_PUNISHMENT_IN_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\">WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT MITIGATE OR ELIMINATE THE PUNISHMENT IN THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Committed_as_a_Response_to_an_Unlawful_Act\">Defamation Committed as a Response to an Unlawful Act<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Committed_as_a_Response_to_Intentional_Injury\">Defamation Committed as a Response to Intentional Injury<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Defamation_Committed_Mutually_Mutual_Insult\">Defamation Committed Mutually (Mutual Insult)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#COMPLAINT_AND_WITHDRAWAL_OF_COMPLAINT_IN_THE_DEFAMATION_CRIME_IN_TURKEY\">COMPLAINT AND WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINT IN THE DEFAMATION CRIME IN TURKEY<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Complaint_in_the_Crime_of_Defamation_in_Turkey\">Complaint in the Crime of Defamation in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Withdrawal_of_Complaint\">Withdrawal of Complaint<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#STATUTE_OF_LIMITATIONS_IN_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\">STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#WHAT_IS_THE_PENALTY_FOR_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\">WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#1-_Simple_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1251\">1- Simple Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 125\/1)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#2-_Qualified_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1253\">2- Qualified Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 125\/3)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#3-_Defamation_Committed_in_Public_and_Its_Penalty\">3- Defamation Committed in Public and Its Penalty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#4-_Defamation_of_Public_Officials_Working_as_a_Board\">4- Defamation of Public Officials Working as a Board<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#5-_Mutual_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1293\">5- Mutual Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 129\/3)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#6-_Penalty_for_Insulting_on_Social_Media\">6- Penalty for Insulting on Social Media<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#HOW_TO_FILE_A_DEFAMATION_LAWSUIT_IN_TURKEY\">HOW TO FILE A DEFAMATION LAWSUIT IN TURKEY?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Criminal_Case_for_Defamation_in_Turkey\">Criminal Case for Defamation in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Compensation_Lawsuit_Due_to_Defamation\">Compensation Lawsuit Due to Defamation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#LEGAL_PROCESS_FOR_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\">LEGAL PROCESS FOR DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#1-_Investigation_Stage_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\">1- Investigation Stage in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#2-_Prepayment_and_Settlement_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\">2- Prepayment and Settlement in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#3-_Prosecution_Stage_in_the_Offense_of_Libel_in_Turkey\">3- Prosecution Stage in the Offense of Libel in Turkey<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Suspension_of_the_Announcement_of_the_Judgment_HAGB_in_Libel_Cases\">Suspension of the Announcement of the Judgment (HAGB) in Libel Cases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Active_Remorse_Provisions_in_Libel_Case_in_Turkey\">Active Remorse Provisions in Libel Case in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Can_the_Insult_Crime_Sentence_Be_Converted_into_a_Judicial_Fine\">Can the Insult Crime Sentence Be Converted into a Judicial Fine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#How_Much_Is_the_Fine_for_the_Libel_Offense_in_Turkey\">How Much Is the Fine for the Libel Offense in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#What_Should_I_Do_If_I_Am_Faced_with_a_Defamation_Lawsuit_in_Turkey\">What Should I Do If I Am Faced with a Defamation Lawsuit in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Does_a_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey_Affect_My_Criminal_Record\">Does a Defamation Case in Turkey Affect My Criminal Record?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#4-_Legal_Value_Protected_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\">4- Legal Value Protected in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#METHODS_FOR_PROVING_VERBAL_ABUSE_IN_A_DEFAMATION_CASE_IN_TURKEY\">METHODS FOR PROVING VERBAL ABUSE IN A DEFAMATION CASE IN TURKEY<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#BEHAVIORS_THAT_DO_NOT_CONSTITUTE_VERBAL_ABUSE_IN_TURKEY\">BEHAVIORS THAT DO NOT CONSTITUTE VERBAL ABUSE IN TURKEY<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Liking_Verbal_Abuse_Messages_Does_Not_Constitute_Verbal_Abuse\">Liking Verbal Abuse Messages Does Not Constitute Verbal Abuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Cursing_Is_Not_Verbal_Abuse\">Cursing Is Not Verbal Abuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Words_Like_%E2%80%9CRude%E2%80%9D_or_%E2%80%9CDisrespectful%E2%80%9D_Are_Not_Verbal_Abuse\">Words Like &#8220;Rude&#8221; or &#8220;Disrespectful&#8221; Are Not Verbal Abuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Harsh_Criticism_of_a_Doctor_Does_Not_Constitute_Verbal_Abuse\">Harsh Criticism of a Doctor Does Not Constitute Verbal Abuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#Conditional_Statements_Are_Not_Considered_Verbal_Abuse\">Conditional Statements Are Not Considered Verbal Abuse<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#OFFENSE_OF_INSULTING_THE_PRESIDENT_AND_ITS_PUNISHMENT_ARTICLE_299_OF_THE_TURKISH_PENAL_CODE\">OFFENSE OF INSULTING THE PRESIDENT AND ITS PUNISHMENT (ARTICLE 299 OF THE TURKISH PENAL CODE)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#THE_RIGHT_TO_CRITICISM_AND_THE_DISTINCTION_FROM_THE_OFFENSE_OF_INSULT\">THE RIGHT TO CRITICISM AND THE DISTINCTION FROM THE OFFENSE OF INSULT<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#1-_The_Right_to_Criticism_in_Turkey\">1- The Right to Criticism in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#2-_The_Difference_Between_Criticism_and_Insult\">2- The Difference Between Criticism and Insult<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#3-_Freedom_of_Expression_and_the_Inapplicability_of_Criticism_as_Insult\">3- Freedom of Expression and the Inapplicability of Criticism as Insult<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/insult-crime-in-turkey\/#4-_The_Courts_View_on_the_Right_to_Criticism_in_Turkey\">4- The Court&#8217;s View on the Right to Criticism in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_IS_THE_INSULT_CRIME_UNDER_TURKISH_LAW\"><\/span>WHAT IS THE INSULT CRIME UNDER TURKISH LAW?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Insult is defined by the Turkish Language Association as <strong>\u201can act of affronting one\u2019s honor, touching upon one\u2019s dignity, or engaging in degrading words or behavior,\u201d<\/strong> and is considered an act targeting an individual&#8217;s social reputation. From a legal perspective, this act constitutes a criminal offense under Turkish Criminal Law. <strong>Indeed, the crime of insult is regulated under the heading &#8220;Crimes Against Honor&#8221; in Articles 125 to 131 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237, aiming to protect individuals\u2019 honor and dignity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The insult crime in Turkey can be committed through direct and explicit expressions, as well as through indirect statements or insinuations. <\/strong>It is sufficient that the expressions used or behaviors exhibited by the perpetrator are of a nature that harms the victim\u2019s personal values. The offense is not limited to insults made directly to the victim\u2019s face; <strong>it can also be committed indirectly through verbal, written, or visual means of communication.<\/strong> In this regard, it is not necessary for the victim to be physically present when the insult occurs; <strong>the impairment of the victim\u2019s honor in the eyes of others is considered sufficient for the crime to be constituted.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, for insults made in the absence of the victim to be punishable, <strong>the act must have been committed in the presence of at least three people.<\/strong> This requirement relates to the offense gaining publicity and the increased likelihood of <strong>the victim\u2019s reputation being damaged in the public eye.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In conclusion, the insult crime in Turkey is a legal provision aimed at protecting individuals\u2019 personal rights and can arise not only from direct attacks but also from actions carried out indirectly or through implication.<\/strong> In this respect, the protection of individuals&#8217; moral integrity and social reputation stands as one of the fundamental objectives of Turkish criminal law.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_small\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-iconbox us_custom_aea21514 iconpos_left style_default color_secondary align_center no_title\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:2rem;\"><i class=\"fas fa-gavel\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-text\"><p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"34\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mevzuat.gov.tr\/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=5237&amp;MevzuatTur=1&amp;MevzuatTertip=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turkish Penal Code<\/a> Article 125<\/strong> \u2013 (1) A person who attributes a concrete act or fact to another that may offend that person\u2019s honor, dignity, or reputation or who assaults a person\u2019s honor, dignity, or reputation by way of insult shall be punished with imprisonment from three months to two years or a judicial fine. In order for the insult to be punishable in the absence of the victim, the act must be committed in the presence of at least three other persons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HOW_IS_THE_CRIME_OF_INSULT_COMMITTED_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span><strong>HOW IS THE CRIME OF INSULT COMMITTED IN TURKEY?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"445\"><strong>The insult of crime in Turkey is a significant legal issue, as it is addressed under the Turkish Penal Code, which aims to protect personal rights.<\/strong> <strong>The crime insult in Turkey<\/strong> can be committed through various actions such as words, behavior, or expressions that damage a person&#8217;s honor, dignity, or respect. <strong data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"445\">For these acts to be considered a crime, they must meet specific criteria, including being personally directed at the victim.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"964\"><strong>While crime insult in Turkey often involves verbal expressions<\/strong>, <strong>it can also extend to written or visual content, hand gestures, or even facial expressions.<\/strong>The Turkish Penal Code does not provide an exhaustive list of insulting acts, but case law has established that degrading or humiliating language directed at someone can constitute this crime. <strong data-start=\"804\" data-end=\"964\">For example, calling someone &#8220;dishonest&#8221; or referring to them with animal names like &#8220;dog&#8221; or &#8220;donkey&#8221; can be considered part of the crime insult in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"1407\"><strong>To constitute the insult of crime in Turkey<\/strong>, the act or statement must harm the victim&#8217;s reputation, dignity, or honor. Insults targeting someone&#8217;s physical features or personal characteristics,<strong data-start=\"1090\" data-end=\"1239\"> like calling someone &#8220;deaf&#8221; or &#8220;crooked,&#8221; would fall under this crime.<\/strong> However, simply disclosing a fact or making a true accusation,<strong data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1407\"> like calling someone a &#8220;thief&#8221; when they have indeed committed theft, does not qualify as an insult in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1756\"><strong>Certain expressions do not fall under the scope of crime insult in Turkey.<\/strong> For instance, rude words or impolite behavior such as calling someone <strong data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1623\">&#8220;ill-mannered&#8221; or &#8220;disrespectful&#8221; <\/strong>are not considered insults. Similarly, curses or imprecations, such as saying <strong data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1756\">&#8220;May God punish you,&#8221; <\/strong>are not classified as insults by the Court of Cassation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"2226\">Public figures in Turkey, including politicians, artists, and athletes, may face harsher criticism than ordinary citizens. <strong data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1946\">However, the line between criticism and insult can be blurry.<\/strong> Criticizing a politician by saying<strong data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"2226\"> &#8220;you sold the entire country&#8221; <\/strong>might not be considered an insult, as it could be viewed as a political statement. <strong data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"2226\">But, if the criticism turns into an excessive attack on a person&#8217;s honor, it would still constitute the crime insult in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2539\">In conclusion, <strong>the insult of crime in Turkey involves actions or behaviors that damage a person&#8217;s honor, dignity, or reputation.<\/strong>While public figures may be subject to more intense criticism,<strong> any conduct that crosses the line into a direct attack on personal honor can still be punishable under the law.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DEFINITION_OF_THE_INSULT_CRIME_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span><strong>DEFINITION OF THE INSULT CRIME IN TURKEY<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"935\"><strong>The<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"248\">crime of insult in Turkey<\/strong> is regulated between Articles 125 and 131 under the section titled <strong>\u201cCrimes Against Honor\u201d of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237<\/strong> and constitutes one of the fundamental criminal law norms aimed at protecting an individual&#8217;s honor, dignity, and reputation. <strong data-start=\"500\" data-end=\"575\">In this context, the insult crime in Turkey can arise in various forms.<\/strong> Attributing a concrete act or fact to a person that may damage their honor, dignity, or reputation is considered sufficient for the <strong data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"737\">crime of insult in Turkey to be constituted.<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"935\">If such an attribution is serious enough to damage the individual\u2019s reputation in the eyes of society, it is legally evaluated within the scope of the insult crime in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"1416\"><strong>Additionally, direct verbal attacks also constitute the insult crime in Turkey.<\/strong> In such acts, to the extent that the expressions used by the perpetrator are detrimental to the victim\u2019s moral integrity and are degrading, criminal liability arises. <strong>Consequently, the crime of insult in Turkey can occur either through concrete attributions or through direct verbal abuse<\/strong>, necessitating the intervention of criminal law in order to protect individual personality rights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"1416\"><strong><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-6594\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-800x202.jpg\" alt=\"defamation offense in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-800x202.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-300x76.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-1024x258.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-100x25.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-90x23.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi-120x30.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-davasi.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_in_the_Presence_Face-to-Face\"><\/span><strong>Committing the Crime of Insult in the Presence (Face-to-Face)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"229\">Committing the crime of insult in Turkey in the presence (face-to-face)<\/strong> <strong>occurs when the perpetrator directly attacks the honor, dignity, and reputation of the victim while being face-to-face with them.<\/strong>In such cases, the victim has the opportunity to immediately perceive the insulting expression or behavior. However, mere physical presence in the same environment <strong>is not a sufficient condition for<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"588\">insult crime in Turkey<\/strong> in the presence. If the perpetrator uses communication tools such as phone calls, video calls, or instant messaging to directly address the victim, the act is still considered to have been committed in the presence. <strong data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"951\">The determining factor here is whether the perpetrator directed the insulting expressions in a way that the victim could immediately perceive.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_in_the_Absence_of_the_Victim\"><\/span><strong>Committing the Crime of Insult in the Absence of the Victim<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"1016\">Committing the crime of insult in the absence of the victim<\/strong> <strong>occurs when an insult is made behind the victim&#8217;s back.<\/strong> The act constitutes a crime only under a specific condition. In this regard, the perpetrator must utter the insulting words in an environment where at least three people can directly hear or perceive them. <strong data-start=\"1279\" data-end=\"1377\">In criminal law terminology, this situation is referred to as \u201cpublic disclosure\u201d.<\/strong> Public disclosure means that the insult is made intentionally by the perpetrator in a manner that allows third parties to hear and understand it. If third parties happen to witness the insult by coincidence or accident, it does not fulfill the requirement of public disclosure. <strong data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1841\">Therefore, unless the insulting act is consciously directed toward at least three people, the act of insulting committed in the victim&#8217;s absence is not considered a crime of insult.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Crime_of_Insult_via_Internet_and_Social_Media\"><\/span><strong>The Crime of Insult via Internet and Social Media<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1896\">The crime of insult via internet and social media<\/strong> has been addressed in the Turkish Penal Code, with the scope of the <strong data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"1991\">insult crime in Turkey<\/strong> expanded by taking into account the diversity of communication tools. According to the justification of Article 125, \u201cinsults made through letters, telegrams, telephones, and similar means addressing the person are also considered to be committed in the presence.\u201d <strong data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2399\">With the development of information technologies, the internet has become one of the platforms where the crime of insult can be committed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2401\" data-end=\"2916\">Today, <strong>the crime of insult in Turkey can be committed<\/strong> through individual communication tools such as e-mail, instant messaging applications, and video call platforms, as well as through social media platforms in a manner that addresses broad audiences. <strong data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2916\">Accordingly, insulting posts made by individuals on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and similar platforms lead to the publicization of the crime, as they are directed not only at a specific person but also openly to the public.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2918\" data-end=\"3609\"><strong data-start=\"2918\" data-end=\"3082\">According to the fourth paragraph of Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, if the crime of insult is committed publicly, the penalty is increased by one-sixth.<\/strong> This regulation lays the groundwork for considering insults committed via the internet and social media as an aggravated form of the crime. Since social media aims to enable users to deliver their ideas and opinions to wide audiences, the sharing of criminal expressions is deemed to be knowingly and willingly offered to the public domain. <strong data-start=\"3424\" data-end=\"3609\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Therefore, acts of insult committed in digital environments are subjected to harsher criminal sanctions due to both the widespread reach of the act and its impact on public opinion.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-_Proving_the_Crime_of_Insult_via_Internet\"><\/span><strong>1- Proving the Crime of Insult via Internet<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"443\"><strong>The widespread use of the internet and social media platforms today has facilitated the commission of the crime of insult in Turkey through digital means.<\/strong> Especially insulting posts or comments made through social media networks such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook require certain technical procedures for proof. <strong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"443\">Posts made through these platforms can be traced via digital traces such as IP addresses to identify the perpetrator.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"445\" data-end=\"824\">However, companies affiliated with social media platforms strictly adhere to international regulations on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/data-protection-in-turkey\/\"><strong>the protection of personal data<\/strong><\/a> and their internal policies. <strong data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"734\">Therefore, they act very restrictively regarding the sharing of IP addresses or user information with the authorities.<\/strong> This makes it difficult to identify the perpetrator(s) of <strong>the<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"797\" data-end=\"823\">insult crime in Turkey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"826\" data-end=\"1233\">Nevertheless, investigation authorities attempt to reach the suspect not only by determining <strong>the IP address<\/strong> but also by employing alternative investigative methods. <strong data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1233\">In practice, victims often share the identity information of individuals they suspect to be the perpetrator with law enforcement or the prosecutor\u2019s office, <\/strong>and this information is used as a primary source for directing the investigation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1759\"><strong>Additionally, through technical surveillance conducted by judicial authorities, digital data analysis, witness statements, and similar methods of collecting evidence, the identity of the perpetrator can be determined, and the act of insult can be proven.<\/strong> Consequently, if <strong>the<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"1515\" data-end=\"1544\">crime of insult in Turkey<\/strong> is committed via the internet, proving the act becomes possible through a comprehensive evaluation of technical capabilities, evidence collection processes, and the information and documents provided by the victim.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-_Committing_the_Crime_of_Insult_via_Communication_Tools\"><\/span><strong>2- Committing the Crime of Insult via Communication Tools<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"752\">In the Turkish Penal Code (TPC), <strong>the manner of committing the crime of insult in Turkey is not limited to the victim directly learning of the insult<\/strong>; committing the crime using certain communication tools is also considered equivalent to committing it in the presence. <strong data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"446\">This regulation is expressed in TPC Article 125\/2 as \u201caudio, written, or visual communication\u201d being sufficient for the crime to be considered committed in the presence.<\/strong> In this context, the tools used in committing the crime must directly target the victim. <strong data-start=\"536\" data-end=\"624\">That is, the content of the insult must be first and directly learned by the victim.<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"752\">In this case, the communication tool must directly reach the victim for the act to be considered committed in the presence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"1221\">For example, insults committed via mobile phones or e-mails are also considered to be committed in the presence under the same conditions. <strong data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"983\">In the case of a phone call insult, the perpetrator must directly speak to the victim.<\/strong> In the case of an e-mail, the mail must be sent directly to the victim\u2019s e-mail address or to a mailing list to which the victim is subscribed. <strong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1221\">If these conditions are met, it is accepted that the insult is committed in the presence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1633\">On the other hand, if the insult is committed through the press, it is not considered to be committed in the presence. <strong data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1504\">Since insults made via the press do not directly address the victim, they are not considered crimes committed in the presence under the provisions of the TPC.<\/strong> This view highlights the necessity of a legal limitation due to the public accessibility of content published through the press.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-_Crime_of_Insult_via_Messages_Letters_E-mails_WhatsApp_Messages_SMS_Phone_Calls\"><\/span><strong>3- Crime of Insult via Messages (Letters, E-mails, WhatsApp Messages, SMS, Phone Calls)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Article 125\/2 of the Turkish Penal Code accepts insult via communication as a crime.<\/strong> Although insult crimes committed via communication are subject to the same amount of penalty, <strong>some are considered \u201cinsult in presence,\u201d while others are considered \u201cinsult in absence.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Insult in Presence: <\/strong>The crime of insult in presence occurs if the perpetrator targets the victim while sending the communication or wishes the victim to learn of the act. <strong>For instance, if a WhatsApp message was sent to someone else but was accidentally learned by the victim, then the act does not constitute insult in presence; it is evaluated as insult in absence.<\/strong> The crime of insult in absence occurs if the message is sent to at least three people or a group consisting of three or more people.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penalty for Insult via Communication: <\/strong>The penalty for committing the crime of insult via communication is imprisonment from <strong>three months to two years or a judicial fine.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Communication Means Considered as Messages under TPC Article 125\/2:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Letter,<\/li>\n<li>E-mail,<\/li>\n<li>WhatsApp messages and messages sent to WhatsApp groups,<\/li>\n<li>SMS via mobile phone,<\/li>\n<li>Phone conversations,<\/li>\n<li>Direct messages (DM) sent via social media such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"273\"><strong>The crime of insult in Turkey committed in presence<\/strong> occurs when the perpetrator directly targets the victim. However, if the perpetrator knows and intends that the victim can perceive the insult while committing the act, <strong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"273\">this is also accepted as insult in presence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"625\">To explain with an example, <strong data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"331\">insult via communication<\/strong> is legally considered <strong data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"376\">insult in presence<\/strong> if the perpetrator targets the victim by sending the communication and intends for the victim to learn of it. <strong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"625\">For example, if a message or phone call directly targets the victim, the perpetrator can be punished for insult committed in presence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"627\" data-end=\"1074\">If the perpetrator accidentally sends the message to someone else and the victim learns about it by coincidence, <strong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"777\">insult in presence does not occur<\/strong> because the perpetrator neither targeted the victim nor intended the victim to learn about the act. <strong data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1074\" data-is-last-node=\"\">In one example, it is emphasized that if the perpetrator sends the message to his sibling and the sibling conveys the insulting message to the victim, it would be considered insult in absence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-_Solution_Process_for_Defamation_Offense_via_the_Internet\"><\/span><strong>4- Solution Process for Defamation Offense via the Internet<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Today, <strong>defamation offenses committed through social media platforms, the internet, and communication tools<\/strong> require a special solution process due to their reliance on digital evidence.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Evidence Collection and Documentation: <\/strong>In this process, it is crucial for the victim <strong>to record the defamatory post or comment as soon as possible.<\/strong> This documentation should be done by taking a screenshot or saving the link to the post. In case the content is deleted later, <strong>it is necessary to preserve this data<\/strong>, which holds evidentiary value, without delay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complaint on Social Media Platform: <\/strong>Next, the relevant user account on the social media platform where the defamatory content was posted can be reported through the system, <strong>requesting the platform administrators to remove the content or close the account.<\/strong> If the account is fake, the platform providers may send <strong>a warning to the user or temporarily suspend the account<\/strong> if deemed necessary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Official Complaint Filing: <\/strong>Furthermore, since the post in question constitutes an open attack on personal rights, <strong>an official complaint process should be initiated by applying to the Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office or the nearest law enforcement agency.<\/strong> In practice, this process usually begins with the victim submitting a written complaint containing the link to the defamatory content, <strong>a screenshot, and the details of the incident<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>IP Address Detection and Reaching the Suspect: <\/strong>Since most social media platforms <strong>(e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)<\/strong> are based abroad and do not have direct representations in Turkey, reaching the suspect can be challenging. <strong>Therefore, public prosecutors request the Telecommunications Communication Presidency (T\u0130B) to identify the IP address where the post was made.<\/strong> After the technical tracking and evidence collection process, if the suspect is identified, their statement is taken, and the file is evaluated and concluded within the scope of the investigation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation Duration: <\/strong>The completion time of the investigation varies depending on the workload of the relevant prosecutor\u2019s office, the nature of the crime, and the quality of the evidence. In practice, this process often takes <strong>at least six months and, in many cases, longer.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Indictment and Public Prosecution: <\/strong>If the collected evidence meets the legal elements of the defamation offense, <strong>the prosecutor prepares an indictment and submits it to the competent court.<\/strong> Once the indictment is accepted by the court, <strong>a public prosecution is initiated.<\/strong> Conversely, if the collected evidence is not sufficient to prove that the offense was committed, <strong>the prosecutor issues a &#8220;decision not to prosecute.&#8221;<\/strong> In practice, this decision is commonly referred to as a <strong>&#8220;non-prosecution decision.&#8221; <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Fake Accounts and Identity Detection: <\/strong>In cases where posts are made through fake accounts, it is difficult to identify the suspect. <strong>Therefore, it is important for the victim to provide detailed information in the complaint letter that will assist in identifying the perpetrator.<\/strong> The perpetrator\u2019s name, username, address, or potential identity details, and other obtainable evidence should be included in the letter. <strong>A copy of the defamatory<\/strong> post must also be attached to the file for the process to proceed effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-6602\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-800x296.jpg\" alt=\"libel offense in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-800x296.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-300x111.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-1024x379.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-100x37.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-90x33.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret-120x44.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/cumhurbaskanina-hakaret.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_ARE_THE_ELEMENTS_OF_THE_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span><strong>WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF THE DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The defamation offense in Turkey consists of two main elements: material and mental elements, according to the general principles of criminal law.<\/strong> For the offense to occur, both elements must be present simultaneously.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Material_Elements_of_the_Defamation_Offense_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>1. Material Elements of the Defamation Offense in Turkey:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The material element refers to the observable aspects of the offense in the external world, and it involves the offender, the victim, and the act.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Offender:<\/strong> In the case of defamation in Turkey, the offender can be any real person without any specific qualifications. <strong>Any individual with legal capacity \u2013 whether male or female \u2013 can be the offender of this crime.<\/strong> However, within the framework of a systematic interpretation of the Turkish Penal Code,<strong> it can be understood that the legislator did not intend for legal entities (such as companies, associations, foundations) to be the offenders of this crime.<\/strong> Therefore, legal entities are not held criminally responsible for defamation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Victim:<\/strong> The phrase <strong>&#8220;to a person&#8221;<\/strong> is found in Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, and under this provision, there is no requirement for a special status or qualification for the victim. <strong>Every individual, as long as they are a real person, can be the victim of a defamation offense.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Act:<\/strong> For defamation to occur, the offender must engage in an act or make an accusation or directly insult <strong>the victim in a manner that tarnishes the victim&#8217;s honor, dignity, and reputation.<\/strong> The accusation or statements made do not necessarily need to be concrete, but the key point is whether the accusation or words objectively violate the victim&#8217;s personal rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"505\"><strong>For the defamation offense in Turkey to occur<\/strong>, it is not enough for the victim to claim that their honor and dignity have been harmed based solely on their personal perception. In each case, <strong>the accusation or words will be objectively assessed to determine<\/strong> whether they are humiliating according to the general value judgments of society, beyond personal perception. <strong data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"505\">Therefore, excessive sensitivity regarding one&#8217;s own honor alone does not necessitate the classification of the act as defamation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"875\">Additionally, according to Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, <strong>if the defamation offense in Turkey is committed in the absence of the victim<\/strong>, it must be performed in the presence of at least three people, who must knowingly and willingly witness the defamation for it to be considered as an offense. <strong data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"875\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Otherwise, the crime will not be deemed to have occurred.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Mental_Element_of_the_Defamation_Offense_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>2. Mental Element of the Defamation Offense in Turkey:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The defamation offense in Turkey can only be committed intentionally.<\/strong> Since it is not separately regulated in the Turkish Penal Code, it is not possible to commit this offense through negligence. Thus, <strong>the offender must act with intent, meaning they must consciously and willingly<\/strong> engage in the behavior. The offender\u2019s purpose must be to harm or violate <strong>the legally protected values of the individual\u2019s honor, dignity, and reputation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As a result, <strong>for<\/strong> <strong>the defamation offense in Turkey to occur<\/strong>, the offender must act with the <strong>intention of humiliating the victim in public, and this behavior must objectively have the characteristics of being dishonorable.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_ARE_THE_QUALIFIED_FORMS_OF_THE_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span><strong>WHAT ARE THE QUALIFIED FORMS OF THE DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In criminal law, <strong>a qualified form of a crime refers to situations in which the crime<\/strong>, when committed under certain conditions, leads to a heavier penalty or more severe sanctions for the offender. <strong data-start=\"201\" data-end=\"384\">These situations are explicitly regulated by the legislator and are found either in the continuation of the relevant article of the criminal code or within the related provisions.<\/strong> Various qualified forms are foreseen for the <strong data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"462\">defamation offense in Turkey<\/strong> under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, which are explained below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Against_a_Public_Official_Due_to_Their_Duty\"><\/span><strong>Defamation Against a Public Official Due to Their Duty<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"407\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"50\">Defamation committed against a public official<\/strong> due to the official duties they are performing is considered a <strong data-start=\"114\" data-end=\"145\" data-is-only-node=\"\">qualified form of the crime<\/strong>. In this case, the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment for <strong data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"231\">one to two years<\/strong>. <strong data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"407\">However, for the qualified form to apply, it is not enough for the victim to be a public official; the defamation must be related to the performance of their public duty.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"772\">For example, if a police officer, who is a public official, is insulted about a matter unrelated to their duty \u2013 such as during a neighborhood dispute \u2013 the qualified form will not apply, and the crime will be punished under the basic provisions of the offense. <strong data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"772\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Moreover, it is not a requirement that the public official be on duty when the defamation occurs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Due_to_the_Expression_of_a_Persons_Religious_Political_Social_or_Philosophical_Views_and_Beliefs\"><\/span><strong>Defamation Due to the Expression of a Person\u2019s Religious, Political, Social, or Philosophical Views and Beliefs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One of the fundamental rights and freedoms protected constitutionally is the <strong data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"120\">freedom of thought, belief, and opinion<\/strong>. In this context, a <strong data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"163\">defamation offense<\/strong> committed against a person due to the expression, change, or promotion of their religious, political, social, or philosophical views, or due to their behavior in line with these views, is considered a <strong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"396\">qualified form of the crime<\/strong> under the Turkish Penal Code. <strong data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"591\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Thus, the legislator aims to protect constitutional values by imposing harsher penalties on attacks directed at an individual\u2019s fundamental rights and freedoms.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Directed_at_the_Sacred_Values_of_a_Persons_Religion\"><\/span><strong>Defamation Directed at the Sacred Values of a Person\u2019s Religion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"66\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Defamation committed through the sacred values of the religion<\/strong> to which the victim belongs is also considered a <strong data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"147\">qualified form of the crime<\/strong>. In this case, the attack is not only against the victim but also against their belief system. <strong data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"344\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Since the act harms both personal rights and the freedom of belief, it is punished more severely.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Committed_Publicly\"><\/span><strong>Defamation Committed Publicly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"33\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Defamation committed publicly<\/strong>, i.e., in environments where any segment of society can hear or see the offense, is considered a <strong data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"162\">qualified form of the crime<\/strong>. For public defamation to occur, the environment must allow an indefinite number of people to learn about the offense. <strong data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"385\">In this regard, media outlets such as television, radio, public speeches, or social media platforms<\/strong>, which have wide accessibility, are examples of environments where public defamation can occur. <strong data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"560\">According to the fourth paragraph of Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, the penalty for this form of defamation is <strong>increased by<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"631\">one-sixth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_ARE_THE_FACTORS_THAT_MITIGATE_OR_ELIMINATE_THE_PUNISHMENT_IN_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT MITIGATE OR ELIMINATE THE PUNISHMENT IN THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Article 129 of the Turkish Penal Code regulates personal reasons that reduce or eliminate the punishment for the crime of defamation in Turkey, taking into account certain special conditions under which the perpetrator finds themselves.<\/strong> In this context, defamation committed in response to an unlawful act or intentional injury, as well as cases where defamation occurs mutually, are circumstances that may result in a more favorable outcome for the perpetrator.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Committed_as_a_Response_to_an_Unlawful_Act\"><\/span><strong>Defamation Committed as a Response to an Unlawful Act<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a person commits an unlawful act, and <strong data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"65\">defamation in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>is made in response to this act<\/strong>, the judge may reduce the punishment by up to one-third or may completely refrain from imposing any punishment. <strong data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"328\">It is important to note that the unlawful act must be committed by the person directly targeted by the defamation.<\/strong> For example, insulting a person who violates traffic rules could be evaluated under this provision.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Committed_as_a_Response_to_Intentional_Injury\"><\/span>Defamation Committed as a Response to Intentional Injury<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to <strong data-start=\"13\" data-end=\"56\">Article 129\/2 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, if the <strong data-start=\"65\" data-end=\"98\">crime of defamation in Turkey<\/strong> is committed in response to an intentional injury crime committed against the perpetrator, <strong data-start=\"190\" data-end=\"237\">no punishment is imposed on the perpetrator<\/strong>. This provision indicates that a verbal response to a physical attack suffered by the victim may be excused in terms of criminal law. <strong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"457\">For example, if someone who was injured later insults the person who injured them<\/strong>, and this act is considered a response to the intentional injury, <strong data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"557\">no punishment will be imposed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Defamation_Committed_Mutually_Mutual_Insult\"><\/span>Defamation Committed Mutually (Mutual Insult)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>It is common in practice for the crime of defamation in Turkey to be committed mutually.<\/strong> In such cases, both parties are considered to have committed the act of defamation, and it is possible to punish each separately. <strong data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"275\">However, Article 129\/3 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong> grants the judge the authority to <strong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"413\">reduce the punishment for one or both parties or to completely refrain from imposing any punishment<\/strong>. This evaluation is made at the discretion of the judge, considering all the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"COMPLAINT_AND_WITHDRAWAL_OF_COMPLAINT_IN_THE_DEFAMATION_CRIME_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>COMPLAINT AND WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINT IN THE DEFAMATION CRIME IN TURKEY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The defamation crime in Turkey is classified under special crimes in the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong> and is a complaint-based offense, meaning that investigation and prosecution can only occur upon the victim\u2019s complaint. However, defamation offenses committed against public officials in connection with their public duties <strong>are not subject to complaint and are investigated and prosecuted ex officio (automatically).<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complaint_in_the_Crime_of_Defamation_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>Complaint in the Crime of Defamation in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"463\"><strong>The investigation and prosecution of the<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"74\">defamation crime in Turkey<\/strong> begin with a complaint made by the person harmed by the offense or the victim. <strong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"252\">The complaint must be made within six months from the date the victim learns of the defamation<\/strong>. This period begins from the date the victim or harmed person becomes aware of the offense. <strong data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"462\">If the time limit for filing the complaint is exceeded, the prosecution of the offense will no longer be possible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"710\">If the victim dies without using their right to complain, <strong data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"575\">their relatives can exercise the complaint right<\/strong>. The complaint can be made by the deceased person&#8217;s <strong>second-degree relatives (parents), descendants (children), and spouse or siblings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Withdrawal_of_Complaint\"><\/span><strong>Withdrawal of Complaint<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"359\"><strong>The withdrawal of the complaint in defamation crime in Turkey cases depends on the victim\u2019s decision to either file the complaint or refrain from doing so.<\/strong> The victim, after filing the complaint, has the right to withdraw the complaint at any stage of the process. Withdrawal can occur both during <strong>the investigation phase and during the prosecution phase.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"361\" data-end=\"670\">However, in the prosecution phase, the withdrawal is subject to the defendant&#8217;s acceptance. <strong data-start=\"453\" data-end=\"561\">The defendant may not accept the withdrawal of the complaint and may request the completion of the trial<\/strong>, believing that they might be acquitted and requesting a definitive determination of innocence by the court.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"672\" data-end=\"1044\">If the complaint is withdrawn during the prosecution phase, the case is dismissed. However, once the victim has withdrawn their complaint, <strong data-start=\"811\" data-end=\"877\">they cannot file a complaint again concerning the same offense<\/strong>. Therefore, withdrawal of the complaint is an irreversible decision, and once the victim exercises this right, they cannot later exercise the right to complain again.<\/p>\n<h2><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-6596\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-800x205.jpg\" alt=\"crime of insult in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-800x205.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-300x77.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-1024x262.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-100x26.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-90x23.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi-120x31.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/hakaret-sucunun-cezasi.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"STATUTE_OF_LIMITATIONS_IN_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"378\"><strong>The crime of defamation in Turkey is subject to a statute of limitations under the Turkish Penal Code.<\/strong> In the case of defamation, the victim must file a complaint <strong data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"234\">within six months after learning of the act and the perpetrator<\/strong>. If no complaint is made within this period, <strong data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"332\">no investigation or prosecution can be initiated<\/strong> <strong>regarding the defamation crime in Turkey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"1224\">With the amendment to Article 14 of Law No. 7531 on Changes to Certain Laws, a provision was added to Article 73, second paragraph of the Turkish Penal Code, stating that the <strong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"643\">statute of limitations for filing a complaint for defamation in Turkey cannot exceed two years<\/strong> from the date the act occurred. As a result, a new provision has created an exception to the general rule, <strong>stipulating a definitive two-year period within which the complaint must be made<\/strong>, regardless of when the victim learns of the defamation. If the victim cannot file the complaint within the statutory time frame due to not learning of the offense, <strong data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1050\">the right to complain will expire after two years<\/strong>. Therefore, <strong data-start=\"1063\" data-end=\"1166\">a lack of complaint will result in the inability to conduct a criminal investigation or prosecution<\/strong> due to the absence of the necessary procedural condition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1841\"><strong>Offenses of defamation committed against public officials due to their duties<\/strong>, as well as certain other <strong data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1365\">defamation crimes in Turkey<\/strong> listed in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of Article 125, do not require a complaint. These offenses <strong data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1534\">are not subject to any statute of limitations for complaint filing<\/strong>. In cases of defamation against a public official due to their duties, <strong>the public prosecutor is required to initiate an investigation<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"1669\" data-end=\"1683\">ex officio<\/strong>. However, the investigation and prosecution must be initiated and concluded within the <strong data-start=\"1771\" data-end=\"1803\">eight-year limitation period<\/strong> prescribed by the Turkish Penal Code.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WHAT_IS_THE_PENALTY_FOR_THE_CRIME_OF_DEFAMATION_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span><strong>WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THE CRIME OF DEFAMATION IN TURKEY?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The crime of defamation in Turkey, regulated under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code,<\/strong> <strong>involves verbal or physical attacks that harm a person\u2019s honor, dignity, and reputation.<\/strong> Defamation is considered a crime aimed at protecting both social order and individual rights and is punishable as such. <strong>The penalties for defamation in Turkey vary depending on how the crime is committed and the victim&#8217;s circumstances.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-_Simple_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1251\"><\/span><strong>1- Simple Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 125\/1)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"159\">Simple defamation in Turkey<\/strong> occurs when someone engages in an act or speech that insults another person\u2019s <strong data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"247\">honor<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"260\" data-is-only-node=\"\">dignity<\/strong>, or <strong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"279\">reputation<\/strong>. According to the first paragraph of <strong data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"358\">Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, the penalty for simple defamation can range from <strong data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"432\">3 months to 2 years<\/strong> in prison or a judicial fine. A key consideration is that, if the crime is committed in the absence of the victim, the insult must have been directed at no less than <strong data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"620\">three individuals<\/strong> for it to qualify as simple defamation. Moreover, the judge may choose between imprisonment or a judicial fine; <strong data-start=\"733\" data-end=\"774\">both cannot be imposed simultaneously<\/strong>. The judge must provide <strong data-start=\"799\" data-end=\"833\">justification for the sentence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-_Qualified_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1253\"><\/span><strong>2- Qualified Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 125\/3)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"43\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Qualified forms of defamation in Turkey<\/strong> are punished more severely under certain circumstances. When <strong data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"119\">defamation<\/strong> is committed against <strong data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"161\">public officials<\/strong> or involves insults related to <strong data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"251\">religious, political, social, or philosophical beliefs<\/strong>, the penalties are more severe. Under <strong data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"333\">Article 125\/3 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, penalties for qualified defamation range from <strong data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"397\">1 to 2 years<\/strong> <strong>of imprisonment, with the minimum sentence being no less than one year<\/strong>. This type of crime can occur, particularly in the following situations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Defamation of a public official due to their duties,<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulting a person\u2019s religious, political, social, or philosophical beliefs,<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulting the sacred values of a person\u2019s religion.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Defamation against public officials is particularly punished more harshly, as it can disturb public order.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-_Defamation_Committed_in_Public_and_Its_Penalty\"><\/span><strong>3- Defamation Committed in Public and Its Penalty<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"85\" data-is-only-node=\"\">When defamation in Turkey is committed in public, the penalty is increased by 1\/6<\/strong>. Public defamation requires that the act or speech is made in a way that can be seen, heard, and perceived by multiple individuals in a specific location or setting. <strong>For example, insulting someone on a television program or in a crowded street qualifies as public defamation.<\/strong> The public nature of the defamation necessitates that it occurs in a setting accessible to the public. However, <strong data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"524\">insults made in private spaces<\/strong>, such as in a home, <strong>do not constitute<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"584\">public defamation<\/strong>, and the penalty increase does not apply.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-_Defamation_of_Public_Officials_Working_as_a_Board\"><\/span><strong>4- Defamation of Public Officials Working as a Board<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"420\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"61\">Defamation of public officials working as part of a board<\/strong>, such as expert committees or court panels, can result in more severe penalties under the provisions of repeat offenses. <strong data-start=\"183\" data-end=\"226\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Article 125\/5 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong> stipulates that <strong data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"313\">defamation directed at public officials working as part of a panel<\/strong> is subject to repeat offense provisions. Such crimes may result in a sentence increased by <strong data-start=\"405\" data-end=\"419\">1\/4 to 3\/4<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"701\">For instance, <strong data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"473\">insulting several police officers<\/strong> may be evaluated separately and lead to an increased penalty for each. However, it is important to note that <strong data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"620\">insulting several police officers<\/strong> may not always qualify as <strong data-start=\"647\" data-end=\"700\">defamation of public officials working as a board<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-_Mutual_Defamation_and_Its_Penalty_TCK_1293\"><\/span><strong>5- Mutual Defamation and Its Penalty (TCK 129\/3)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"752\">According to <strong data-start=\"13\" data-end=\"56\">Article 129\/3 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, if <strong data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"85\">defamation in Turkey<\/strong> occurs mutually between two individuals, this constitutes a <strong>&#8220;mutual defamation offense.&#8221;<\/strong> It is not necessary for the insults to occur simultaneously. For example, if one person insults another through media <strong>(e.g., calling them &#8220;stupid&#8221;)<\/strong> and the second person responds a few days later by calling the first person <strong>&#8220;idiot,&#8221;<\/strong> both individuals can be charged with <strong data-start=\"445\" data-end=\"466\">mutual defamation<\/strong>. <strong data-start=\"468\" data-end=\"489\">Mutual defamation<\/strong> is commonly seen in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/family-law\/divorce-in-turkey\/\">divorce cases in Turkey<\/a><\/strong>. <strong>When mutual defamation occurs, the court may choose not to penalize either party or may reduce the penalty by up to 1\/3.<\/strong> This decision depends on how the mutual insults were made and the nature of the parties&#8217; behavior.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"1198\"><strong>The crime of defamation in Turkey aims to protect individuals&#8217; honor, dignity, and reputation.<\/strong> <strong>The penalty for defamation in Turkey<\/strong> depends on the nature of the crime and the victim\u2019s circumstances. <strong data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"972\">Simple defamation in Turkey<\/strong> is punished with lighter penalties, while <strong data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1039\">qualified defamation<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1065\">public defamation<\/strong> are subject to harsher punishments. <strong data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1136\">Defamation of public officials<\/strong>, in particular, is heavily penalized to protect public order.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-_Penalty_for_Insulting_on_Social_Media\"><\/span><strong>6- Penalty for Insulting on Social Media<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Insulting someone via social media platforms is considered defamation committed in the presence of others.<\/strong> Since social media is accepted as a communication tool <strong>(written, verbal, or visual)<\/strong>, according to Article 125\/2 of the Turkish Penal Code, the person who insults someone on social media may face<strong> 3 months to 2 years in prison or a judicial fine.<\/strong> These penalties are in line with those applied to defamation committed via other communication tools.<\/p>\n<h2><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-6598\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-800x230.jpg\" alt=\"defamation case in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-800x230.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-300x86.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-1024x295.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-100x29.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-90x26.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu-120x35.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/karsilikli-hakaret-sucu.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"HOW_TO_FILE_A_DEFAMATION_LAWSUIT_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>HOW TO FILE A DEFAMATION LAWSUIT IN TURKEY?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>A defamation lawsuit in Turkey can be filed in two different ways: as a criminal case or a civil (compensation) case.<\/strong> Both types of cases involve different legal procedures and purposes.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_Case_for_Defamation_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>Criminal Case for Defamation in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>A criminal case for defamation in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>can be initiated either upon complaint or, in some cases, ex officio (by the public prosecutor on their own initiative).<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Complaint-based Criminal Case<\/strong>: If the victim believes they have been defamed, <strong>they can file a complaint with the public prosecutor by submitting a petition.<\/strong> Following the complaint, <strong>the public prosecutor will begin an investigation<\/strong>, and based on the findings, a case can be filed in court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public Case<\/strong>: Defamation in Turkey is considered a public offense, meaning that the case is filed on behalf of the public, <strong>and the public prosecutor must follow the case through to its conclusion.<\/strong> Even if a complaint is filed, <strong>the public prosecutor independently manages the case, and during the trial, criminal actions may be taken against the defendant,<\/strong> even if the victim is not actively involved in the proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compensation_Lawsuit_Due_to_Defamation\"><\/span><strong>Compensation Lawsuit Due to Defamation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>A victim may file a compensation lawsuit to seek damages caused by the defamation in Turkey.<\/strong> <strong>This lawsuit is separate from the criminal case and is filed in civil court.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Filing a Compensation Lawsuit<\/strong>: If the victim believes their personal rights have been violated due to defamation, <strong>they can approach the Civil Court of First Instance to seek compensation for the damages caused by the violation.<\/strong> The victim may file the lawsuit personally or through a legal representative.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Types of Compensation<\/strong>: In this type of case, <strong>the victim can request non-pecuniary compensation for the emotional harm caused by the defamation, or pecuniary compensation for any financial damage.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In summary, a defamation lawsuit in Turkey can be filed either as a criminal case or a compensation lawsuit.<\/strong> The criminal case can be initiated through a complaint or by the prosecutor&#8217;s initiative, and it has the nature of a public lawsuit. A compensation lawsuit, on the other hand, is filed in a civil court to address personal damages and is independent of the criminal process. <strong>Both types of cases serve different purposes and follow separate legal procedures.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LEGAL_PROCESS_FOR_DEFAMATION_OFFENSE_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>LEGAL PROCESS FOR DEFAMATION OFFENSE IN TURKEY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The legal process for a defamation offense in Turkey includes various elements in terms of criminal sanctions and the protected values.<\/strong> Below are the main features of the legal process for defamation offenses:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-_Investigation_Stage_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>1- Investigation Stage in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"756\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"32\">Defamation offense in Turkey<\/strong> is primarily an offense that can be prosecuted upon complaint, meaning that the victim can initiate an investigation by filing a complaint with the public prosecutor. <strong data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"326\">In cases of defamation against public officials committed due to their duties, the complaint requirement has been removed.<\/strong> This change aims to protect the reputation of public administration. <strong data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"501\" data-is-only-node=\"\">These types of defamation offenses can be investigated and prosecuted ex officio (by the prosecutor).<\/strong> For example, in cases of <strong data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"563\">defamation against the President<\/strong>, no complaint is required. <strong data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"756\">In other instances, the investigation and prosecution of the defamation offense in Turkey are subject to the complaint of the victim or any affected third party.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"1218\">The prosecutor may begin the investigation either upon complaint or ex officio, conducting necessary procedures such as taking statements and collecting evidence. <strong data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"1036\">These actions are aimed at determining whether there is sufficient suspicion that the crime has been committed.<\/strong> If the evidence gathered shows that the offense has been committed, the prosecutor will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/file-a-lawsuit-in-turkey\/\"><strong>file a public case<\/strong><\/a>. <strong data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1218\">Otherwise, they will decide that there is no grounds for prosecution.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1912\"><strong>An arrest related to insult crime in Turkey might be unlawful.<\/strong> Due to the nature of the offense, defamation alone does not constitute a valid reason to restrict the offender&#8217;s freedom. Therefore, <strong>an<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"1427\" data-end=\"1498\">arrest solely for defamation is not considered legally appropriate.<\/strong> The arrest measure must be supported by strong suspicion of a crime and concrete evidence as per Article 100 of the Criminal Procedure Code. <strong data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1783\">Defamation is not among the crimes that justify arrest, unless the suspect is attempting to tamper with evidence or pressure witnesses.<\/strong> Even then, arrest should not be applied solely for the defamation offense in Turkey due to the principle of proportionality.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-_Prepayment_and_Settlement_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>2- Prepayment and Settlement in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"391\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"54\">Article 125, paragraph 1 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong> provides that, as a basic form of the defamation offense, <strong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"167\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/mediation-process-in-turkey\/\">mediation procedures<\/a> can be applied in such cases.<\/strong>\u00a0Mediation is applied as a first step for the parties to reach an agreement during both the investigation and prosecution stages.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"1162\">During the <strong data-start=\"404\" data-end=\"444\">defamation offense mediation process<\/strong>, a mediator appointed by the Ministry of Justice is responsible for contacting the parties during the investigation stage and presenting the settlement offer. <strong data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"687\">The settlement process in defamation cases is subject to the complainant\u2019s will<\/strong> and may include requests for either material or non-material compensation. <strong data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"914\">The complainant may request compensation for financial damages or may demand an apology, a donation to a charity, or another act of social benefit.<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"1022\">If the parties reach an agreement, the suspect must fulfill the agreed act within the given time frame.<\/strong> If the suspect performs the agreed act completely and on time, <strong data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1162\">no public case will be filed, and the investigation file will be closed. <\/strong>This way, the legal system facilitates a quicker and more effective resolution of the dispute, <strong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1325\" data-is-last-node=\"\">encouraging the parties to reach a solution by their own will.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"634\">With the regulation made under <strong data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"182\">Article 15 of Law No. 7531 on Amendments to Certain Laws<\/strong>, certain forms of <strong data-start=\"201\" data-end=\"230\">defamation case in Turkey<\/strong> have been excluded from the mediation process and included in the prepayment scheme.<strong> In cases where defamation is committed through written, verbal, or visual communication, involving the victim\u2019s religious, political, social, or philosophical beliefs or opinions, or regarding sacred values of the person\u2019s religion, or if the offense is committed publicly, the prepayment procedure may be applied.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"636\" data-end=\"1147\">In such cases, even if a <strong data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"693\">defamation lawsuit in Turkey<\/strong> is initiated, <strong>the prepayment procedure may be applied<\/strong>, allowing the process to be concluded without continuing with criminal prosecution, provided that legal conditions are met. <strong data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1147\">Under the prepayment procedure, the public prosecutor will notify the suspect of the amount specified in the law, and if the suspect accepts and makes the payment within ten days of the offer, no public case will be filed, and the prosecutor will decide not to prosecute.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1662\"><strong data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1260\">If the suspect refuses the prepayment offer or fails to fulfill the obligation, a public case will be filed<\/strong>, and the judicial process will proceed. <strong data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1386\">The fine paid under the prepayment scheme is not recorded in the criminal record.<\/strong> However, decisions made under the prepayment scheme and dismissals made by the courts are recorded in a special system. Additionally, <strong data-start=\"1521\" data-end=\"1662\">if the suspect reoffends within five years under the same crime, the prepayment procedure will not be applied again for the same offense.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"2089\"><strong>This legal reform aims to exclude specific forms of defamation lawsuit in Turkey from the mediation process and include them in the prepayment regime.<\/strong> It is intended to <strong data-start=\"1837\" data-end=\"1865\">prevent defamation cases<\/strong>, especially those occurring on social media, from turning into areas where financial benefits are obtained through mediation, <strong>while also reducing the judicial workload on prosecutors\u2019 offices, mediation bureaus, and courts.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-_Prosecution_Stage_in_the_Offense_of_Libel_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>3- Prosecution Stage in the Offense of Libel in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"546\"><strong>The prosecution stage of an offense of libel in Turkey begins with the acceptance of the indictment by the court.<\/strong> Upon the acceptance of the indictment, the criminal trial formally enters the prosecution phase, and the hearing process begins. At this stage, the statements of the parties\u2014 the defendant and the victim\u2014 are taken. <strong data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"416\">Witnesses who may contribute to clarifying the facts of the case are heard<\/strong>, and other available evidence is examined in court. <strong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"546\">If necessary, expert reports and technical examinations may also be used.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"1216\">The court freely evaluates all the evidence collected during the trial and forms its legal opinion. <strong data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"750\">After the collection of evidence, the prosecutor presents their opinion on the merits of the case.<\/strong> In the opinion, the prosecutor evaluates the defendant&#8217;s legal status, expresses their view on whether the elements of the <strong data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"904\">offense of libel in Turkey<\/strong> are present, and ultimately requests either the defendant&#8217;s conviction or acquittal. <strong data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1216\" data-is-last-node=\"\">After allowing the parties to present their statements in response to the opinion, the court evaluates all the statements and evidence together, strives to reach the material truth, and concludes the trial with a judgment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suspension_of_the_Announcement_of_the_Judgment_HAGB_in_Libel_Cases\"><\/span><strong>Suspension of the Announcement of the Judgment (HAGB) in Libel Cases<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to the Turkish Penal Code, if the sentence determined by the court in <strong>a libel case in Turkey is 2 years or less<\/strong>, <strong>the suspension of the announcement of the judgment (HAGB) may be applied<\/strong>. <strong data-start=\"195\" data-end=\"285\">HAGB means the postponement of the announcement of the judgment for a specific period.<\/strong> This postponement results in the defendant being subject to legal consequences related to the conviction, but the sentence\u2019s announcement and execution are delayed. <strong data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"589\">If the defendant does not commit any crime within a specified period, the judgment is not announced, and the sentence is not executed.<\/strong> Thus, <strong data-start=\"596\" data-end=\"684\" data-is-last-node=\"\">HAGB provides a more favorable situation for the defendant compared to a conviction.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Active_Remorse_Provisions_in_Libel_Case_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>Active Remorse Provisions in Libel Case in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"18\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Active remorse<\/strong> allows for a reduction or complete elimination of the sentence if the defendant shows remorse and takes actions to mitigate the effects of the crime after it has been committed. <strong data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"273\">However, active remorse provisions do not apply to the offense of libel in Turkey.<\/strong> In other words, even if a defendant expresses remorse after committing a libel offense in Turkey, <strong data-start=\"362\" data-end=\"432\" data-is-last-node=\"\">no reduction in the sentence or any favorable outcome will result.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"68\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_Insult_Crime_Sentence_Be_Converted_into_a_Judicial_Fine\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"68\">Can the Insult Crime Sentence Be Converted into a Judicial Fine?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"68\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"68\">In both simple and aggravated forms of the<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"139\">insult crime in Turkey<\/strong>, there is the possibility of converting the <strong data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"200\">insult crime sentence into a<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"234\">judicial fine<\/strong>. According to <strong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"302\">Article 52, paragraph 2 of the Turkish Penal Code<\/strong>, the amount of the judicial fine is determined by considering the defendant&#8217;s economic and other personal circumstances. In this context, the judicial fine for one day must be between <strong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"528\">100 Turkish Lira and 500 Turkish Lira<\/strong>. The court determines the amount of the fine considering <strong>the defendant&#8217;s income, assets, and other personal conditions,<\/strong> and makes a decision in accordance <strong>with the defendant&#8217;s financial capacity.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Is_the_Fine_for_the_Libel_Offense_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>How Much Is the Fine for the Libel Offense in Turkey?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The judicial fine for the insult crime in Turkey is determined based on the defendant\u2019s economic situation.<\/strong> When the sentence for <strong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"150\">libel crime in Turkey<\/strong> is determined as a <strong data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"187\">judicial fine<\/strong>, it can range from a minimum of <strong data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"255\">5 days to a maximum of 730 days<\/strong>. For example, if the judicial fine is set to <strong data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"313\">200 days<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"338\">500 Turkish Lira<\/strong> for each day, the total fine would be <strong data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"401\">100,000 Turkish Lira<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_I_Do_If_I_Am_Faced_with_a_Defamation_Lawsuit_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>What Should I Do If I Am Faced with a Defamation Lawsuit in Turkey?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Anyone facing a defamation case in Turkey<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>should seek expert legal support during both the investigation (prosecutor&#8217;s office) and prosecution (trial) stages.<\/strong> According to Article 125 and the following provisions of the Turkish Penal Code<strong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"444\">, individuals who commit the offense of defamation may be prosecuted with either imprisonment or judicial fines.<\/strong> If a person is being prosecuted for defamation in Turkey, the possibility of acquittal or a reduction in the sentence should be evaluated during the court process. At this point, <strong data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"765\">it is crucial to ensure the protection of personal defense rights and to conduct necessary legal research with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/online-legal-services\/\">the support of an expert lawyer<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey_Affect_My_Criminal_Record\"><\/span><strong>Does a Defamation Case in Turkey Affect My Criminal Record?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a conviction is handed down in <strong>a<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"231\">defamation case in Turkey<\/strong>, this sentence will be recorded in the criminal record according to the Criminal Record Law. Criminal record entries are official records that show an individual&#8217;s past criminal status, which may be checked in situations like job applications or visa procedures. <strong>Therefore,<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"640\">receiving a conviction for a defamation lawsuit in Turkey can affect a person&#8217;s social and professional life in the long term.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-_Legal_Value_Protected_in_Defamation_Case_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong style=\"font-family: inherit;\">4- Legal Value Protected in Defamation Case in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"838\">The legal value protected by the offense of defamation (libel) concerns fundamental personal values such as an individual&#8217;s <strong data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"356\">honor, dignity, reputation, and social standing<\/strong>. These values directly affect <strong data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"504\">a person&#8217;s position in social relationships, their reputation within the community, and their individual prestige<\/strong>. As explicitly stated in the justification of Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, <strong data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"694\">the purpose of punishing defamation is to protect individuals&#8217; respect and reputation within society<\/strong>. The protection of these values is viewed not only as safeguarding the individual but also as <strong data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"837\">a measure to maintain social peace and order<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"1448\">The primary legal value targeted in a <strong data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"907\">defamation case in Turkey<\/strong> is to provide social protection against actions that harm <strong>an individual\u2019s social status or attack their personal dignity.<\/strong> A person&#8217;s honor encourages respect for human dignity in their relationships with others in society. <strong data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1351\">Honor and respect are factors that ensure an individual is regarded with esteem not only in social life but also in personal spaces such as work and family, supporting their existential and psychological security<\/strong>. Therefore, punishing defamation helps individuals feel valued and respected within society.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"2002\"><strong data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1566\">The obligation of individuals in society to show respect for one another is crucial for maintaining social order<\/strong>. The criminal sanctions for defamation serve a <strong data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1654\">deterrent function against such acts<\/strong> and are regarded as <strong data-start=\"1675\" data-end=\"1735\">an important regulation aimed at preserving social peace<\/strong>. Additionally, <strong data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1876\">the impact of defamation on public life can threaten not only individuals but also the general peace and order of society<\/strong>. In this context, the Turkish Penal Code aims to contribute to the protection of societal values by punishing defamation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2674\">Furthermore, the legal value protected by a libel case in Turkey does not only concern individual rights but also societal security. <strong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2262\">Defamation against public officials, in particular, can undermine public trust and weaken the reputation of the state<\/strong>. For this reason, defamation offenses committed against public officials are punished more severely and <strong>can be prosecuted ex officio.<\/strong> This reflects the understanding that <strong data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2515\">public officials should be respected while performing their public duties<\/strong>. Therefore, punishing defamation not only ensures the protection of individuals but also guarantees the maintenance of public order and societal security.<\/p>\n<h2><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-6600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-800x298.jpg\" alt=\"verbal abuse\" width=\"800\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-800x298.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-300x112.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-1024x382.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-100x37.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-90x34.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi-120x45.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/kufur-etmenin-cezasi.jpg 1750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"METHODS_FOR_PROVING_VERBAL_ABUSE_IN_A_DEFAMATION_CASE_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>METHODS FOR PROVING VERBAL ABUSE IN A DEFAMATION CASE IN TURKEY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The proof of verbal abuse can be established through various evidentiary tools.<\/strong> Since verbal abuse is defined as an act that harms an individual&#8217;s honor, dignity, and reputation, <strong>the proof of this offense is typically possible through verbal expressions<\/strong>, digital content, and witness testimonies. Below are the primary methods used to prove verbal abuse:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Witness Testimony in Defamation Cases: <\/strong>Witnesses are an important source of evidence in criminal proceedings. <strong>Witness testimony is frequently used in proving verbal abuse cases.<\/strong> For example, if a person has made verbally abusive remarks during a phone call, <strong>another person who overheard the conversation may be called as a witness.<\/strong> If call records (caller-recipient information) are obtained and the witness testimonies align, verbal abuse can be proven.<\/li>\n<li><strong style=\"font-family: inherit;\">Phone Communication Records: <\/strong>Since verbal abuse is not considered a catalog crime, <strong>phone tapping is not permissible.<\/strong> However, phone records <strong>(HTS \u2013 Service Detection)<\/strong> can serve as vital evidence in proving verbal abuse. These records, which include information on phone calls and the times of calls, can be assessed alongside other evidence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Physical Examination of the Phone and SMS Messages: <\/strong>According to Article 134 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK), it is possible to examine the suspect&#8217;s phone. <strong>Physical examination of the phone, including SMS messages, videos, and photos, can be used to prove verbal abuse.<\/strong> However, to access the phone&#8217;s contents, a court order or written permission from the prosecutor is required. Otherwise, evidence obtained through unlawful means is not accepted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recording Secret Audio, Visual, or Video Evidence: Secret recordings of audio or video<\/strong> can be valid evidence in proving verbal abuse, <strong>especially if abusive or threatening words exchanged between two individuals need to be documented and proving the case otherwise is impossible.<\/strong> However, systematically and intentionally recording such interactions is illegal and would be considered unlawful, making it inadmissible as evidence and constituting a crime.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.): <\/strong>Content such as <strong>voice messages, written messages, or images shared via messaging<\/strong> apps like WhatsApp and Telegram can be used to prove verbal abuse. Conversations made through these apps can be documented, including details such as <strong>date, time, and content, in line with Article 134 of the CMK, and presented to the court.<\/strong> Including these messages in the case file allows for the examination of evidence and the initiation of the defense process.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social Media Platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook): <\/strong>Posts and communications on social media platforms are also significant sources of evidence in proving verbal abuse. <strong>Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can reveal the identity of the perpetrator. However, due to privacy concerns, judicial authorities in many countries, including the United States, may not respond to requests regarding such information, necessitating police forces to conduct investigations into social media communications.<\/strong> These posts, when documented, can be used in court proceedings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>E-Detection for Proof: E-detection is a service provided by the Turkish Union of Notaries.<\/strong> Any webpage or social media content on the internet can be identified via URL-based scanning. This method ensures the accurate detection of crimes committed online.<strong> The person applying for e-detection sends the relevant URL to the Notaries Union and receives an application number.<\/strong> With this number, the individual can apply to a specific notary, <strong>where the findings are transcribed onto paper and notarized.<\/strong> These findings are considered definitive evidence in criminal proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Since verbal abuse can be committed through both spoken and written means, various evidentiary tools can be used to prove the offense.<\/strong> Witness statements, phone records, social media posts, and digital detection methods are all effective tools for proving verbal abuse. Additionally, <strong>e-detection and digital examination techniques<\/strong> play a significant role in identifying verbal abuse offenses committed via the internet. These evidences can be utilized in the criminal procedure to prove the offense of verbal abuse.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BEHAVIORS_THAT_DO_NOT_CONSTITUTE_VERBAL_ABUSE_IN_TURKEY\"><\/span>BEHAVIORS THAT DO NOT CONSTITUTE VERBAL ABUSE IN TURKEY<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>While verbal abuse is defined as an attack on a person&#8217;s honor and dignity, certain situations and expressions do not constitute verbal abuse in a legal context.<\/strong> The right of individuals to express their thoughts and opinions is protected within certain limits, provided it does not harm personal rights. In this context, <strong>factors such as the language used, the context of the statements<\/strong>, and their intent are crucial when determining whether verbal abuse has occurred. <strong>Sometimes, criticism, humor, debates, or discussions may not aim to harm an individual\u2019s honor but rather to engage in public discourse without violating personal rights.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Liking_Verbal_Abuse_Messages_Does_Not_Constitute_Verbal_Abuse\"><\/span><strong>Liking Verbal Abuse Messages Does Not Constitute Verbal Abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Liking a message containing verbal abuse on social media does not automatically result in verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong> According to the Supreme Court, if a person only <strong>likes a message containing verbal abuse and does not share or forward it to others<\/strong>, this does not constitute the crime of verbal abuse. Therefore, if a person merely likes a message containing verbal abuse without spreading it, <strong>this action can be considered a personal evaluation, and the elements of verbal abuse are not met.<\/strong> <strong>(Supreme Court, 4th Criminal Chamber, Decision: 2014\/33171)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cursing_Is_Not_Verbal_Abuse\"><\/span><strong>Cursing Is Not Verbal Abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cursing does not constitute verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong> According to the Supreme Court, expressions such as curses, although impolite and offensive, do not meet the criteria for verbal abuse <strong>unless they contain specific actions or facts that tarnish a person&#8217;s honor, dignity, or reputation.<\/strong> For example, a phrase like <strong>\u201cMay God curse you\u201d<\/strong> may be a curse but does not constitute verbal abuse. <strong>(General Assembly of the Court of Cassation, Decision: 2014\/386, Supreme Court 9th Criminal Chamber, Decision: 2014\/5495)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Words_Like_%E2%80%9CRude%E2%80%9D_or_%E2%80%9CDisrespectful%E2%80%9D_Are_Not_Verbal_Abuse\"><\/span><strong>Words Like &#8220;Rude&#8221; or &#8220;Disrespectful&#8221; Are Not Verbal Abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Harsh criticisms or offensive words do not always constitute verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong> The Supreme Court has stated that words such as <strong>&#8220;rude&#8221; or &#8220;disrespectful&#8221;<\/strong> do not reach the level of offending a person\u2019s honor and dignity. These expressions may be considered as harsh criticism, bothersome, or rude behavior but do not meet the elements required for verbal abuse.<strong> (Supreme Court 18th Criminal Chamber, Decision: 2016\/6745)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harsh_Criticism_of_a_Doctor_Does_Not_Constitute_Verbal_Abuse\"><\/span><strong>Harsh Criticism of a Doctor Does Not Constitute Verbal Abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Severe criticism of a doctor&#8217;s treatment does not constitute verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong> The Supreme Court has expressed that harsh criticism of a doctor who provides public health services does not amount to verbal abuse due to the nature of their duties. For example, if a patient criticizes a doctor\u2019s treatment by saying, <strong>\u201cI do not consider your Hippocratic oath,\u201d<\/strong> this criticism does not constitute verbal abuse. <strong>(Supreme Court 2nd Criminal Chamber, Decision: 2013\/3805)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conditional_Statements_Are_Not_Considered_Verbal_Abuse\"><\/span><strong>Conditional Statements Are Not Considered Verbal Abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Statements made conditionally or probabilistically do not constitute verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong> The Supreme Court has stated that a conditional statement does not carry the intent of verbal abuse, and therefore, such statements do not meet the elements of verbal abuse. For example, saying <strong>\u201cIf you don\u2019t pay your debt, you are dishonorable\u201d<\/strong> is a conditional expression and does not constitute verbal abuse. <strong>(Supreme Court 18th Criminal Chamber, Decision: 2016\/14515)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>When determining whether verbal abuse has occurred on social media, factors like freedom of expression and personal evaluation should be taken into account.<\/strong> Furthermore, for verbal abuse to occur, the statements made must be damaging to <strong>a person\u2019s honor, dignity, and reputation.<\/strong> The Supreme Court emphasizes that harsh criticism, cursing, and conditional statements do not always constitute <strong>verbal abuse in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"OFFENSE_OF_INSULTING_THE_PRESIDENT_AND_ITS_PUNISHMENT_ARTICLE_299_OF_THE_TURKISH_PENAL_CODE\"><\/span>OFFENSE OF INSULTING THE PRESIDENT AND ITS PUNISHMENT (ARTICLE 299 OF THE TURKISH PENAL CODE)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The offense of insulting the President is specifically regulated under Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC).<\/strong> This crime aims to punish acts and statements that <strong>insult the President in a manner that could undermine the societal values and public sentiments.<\/strong> However, this regulation primarily focuses on <strong>protecting the respect and dignity of the office of the Presidency<\/strong> rather than personal insults directed at the individual holding the office.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Legal Framework of Insulting the President: <\/strong>Article 299 of the TPC governs the crime of insulting the President. <strong>The provision seeks to protect the &#8220;honor&#8221; of the President as a legal concept, rather than focusing on the President\u2019s functions, duties, or the role of the office itself.<\/strong> This regulation can sometimes lead to statements that are intended as criticism or protest being considered as insults. This has been criticized as contrary to fundamental principles of criminal law, <strong>particularly the principle of freedom of expression.<\/strong> While insult laws in general are regulated equally for all individuals under Article 125 of the TPC, <strong>the introduction of a specific offense for insulting the President has been criticized as violating the constitutional principle of equality.<\/strong> Article 10 of the Turkish Constitution prohibits personal regulations, making the existence of this specific crime debatable in terms of constitutional conformity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prosecution and the Authority of the Ministry of Justice: <\/strong>Unlike other insult offenses in Turkey, <strong>the prosecution of the crime of insulting the President requires permission from the Ministry of Justice.<\/strong> This regulation indicates that there is a state oversight component in <strong>the punishment of insults to the President<\/strong>, with the Ministry of Justice playing a role in monitoring such cases. Without the Ministry&#8217;s permission, cases cannot be initiated, <strong>which provides a more systematic and state-centric intervention mechanism against personal insults directed at the President.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Criminal Sanctions: <\/strong>According to Article 299 of the TPC, <strong>the penalty for insulting the President ranges from 1 to 4 years of imprisonment.<\/strong> However, if the insult is made publicly, meaning it is expressed in a way that can be heard by a large portion of the public, <strong>the penalty is increased by one-sixth.<\/strong> Publicity, particularly in the case of insults made on social media platforms or other means that reach a wide audience, leads to a more severe penalty. <strong>These actions may lead to a heavier punishment as they can be disseminated to large segments of the population.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>The prison sentence for the offense of insulting the President can be converted into a judicial fine<\/strong>,<strong> postponed, or a decision for the postponement of the announcement of the judgment can be issued, depending on the court&#8217;s discretion.<\/strong> This flexibility is aimed at ensuring a more appropriate application of the penalty and the reintegration of the defendant into society. <strong>The postponement of the announcement of the judgment<\/strong> may allow the removal of the penalty if the defendant shows good conduct over a certain period.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The offense of insulting the President, through its special regulation in the Turkish Penal Code, has raised concerns regarding its conformity with the general principles of criminal law and the constitutional principle of equality.<\/strong> Nevertheless, the criminal dimensions of this offense, along with the flexibility in its application<strong>\u2014particularly the increase in penalties due to publicity\u2014<\/strong>are intended to protect the President&#8217;s honor and the dignity of the office within society. Such offenses create an important area of discussion in democratic societies, balancing freedom of expression with public order.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"THE_RIGHT_TO_CRITICISM_AND_THE_DISTINCTION_FROM_THE_OFFENSE_OF_INSULT\"><\/span>THE RIGHT TO CRITICISM AND THE DISTINCTION FROM THE OFFENSE OF INSULT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The Turkish Constitution guarantees the freedom of thought and expression for individuals.<\/strong> Article 25 of the Constitution ensures the freedom of thought and opinion, while Article 26 regulates the freedom to express and disseminate thoughts. Additionally, it ensures the freedom to receive and impart information without interference from public authorities. However, <strong>the second paragraph of Article 62 allows for limitations on this freedom in order to protect the reputation and rights of others.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-_The_Right_to_Criticism_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>1- The Right to Criticism in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Criticism does not always involve praise or approval. <strong>Criticism seeks to highlight shortcomings or mistakes by presenting a person or situation negatively.<\/strong> However, <strong>the use of harsh language in criticism<\/strong> does not necessarily mean it qualifies as an insult. While criticism may be uncomfortable, it does not directly attack an individual&#8217;s personality rights. In other words, <strong>there is a significant distinction between criticism and insult.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-_The_Difference_Between_Criticism_and_Insult\"><\/span><strong>2- The Difference Between Criticism and Insult<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Criticism is typically an evaluation of a work, author, or subject and is a common cultural practice.<\/strong> Such criticism often serves a social or artistic purpose. On the other hand, <strong>an insult involves a personal attack with harsh expressions<\/strong> aimed at damaging an individual&#8217;s honor, dignity, or reputation. Therefore, the legal distinction between criticism and insult is crucial. <strong>Criticism aims to evaluate a person&#8217;s thoughts or actions, while an insult is a direct attack on an individual.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-_Freedom_of_Expression_and_the_Inapplicability_of_Criticism_as_Insult\"><\/span><strong>3- Freedom of Expression and the Inapplicability of Criticism as Insult<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 26 of the Turkish Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is a party.<\/strong> This right encompasses the freedom to express thoughts freely. However, this freedom is limited when it involves situations that constitute an insult. In other words, <strong>freedom of expression is protected as long as it does not harm the honor and dignity of others<\/strong>, while expressions that constitute insults go beyond this boundary and can be penalized.<strong> At this point, balancing freedom of expression and the act of insult is crucial.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-_The_Courts_View_on_the_Right_to_Criticism_in_Turkey\"><\/span><strong>4- The Court&#8217;s View on the Right to Criticism in Turkey<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Freedom of criticism is one of the cornerstones of democratic societies.<\/strong> The ability of individuals to make various criticisms, considering the general interests of society, fosters a free environment for thought. <strong>Criticisms can sometimes be harsh or severe, but this does not mean they constitute an attack on the person being criticized.<\/strong> The Court has emphasized in its decisions that criticism does not constitute the offense of insult.<\/p>\n<p>In the decision of the 18th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation <strong>(Case No. 2015\/40226, Decision No. 2017\/8977, dated 14.9.2017),<\/strong> the court ruled that a defendant\u2019s statement questioning the victim\u2019s professional competence with the words, <strong>\u201cWhat kind of doctor is this? Who put this person here? He doesn\u2019t look like a doctor,\u201d<\/strong> did not constitute the offense of insult. <strong>The court found that these words were not damaging to the victim&#8217;s honor, dignity, or reputation but were merely a disturbing and rude criticism.<\/strong> In this case, the right to criticize was upheld, and the offense of insult was not established.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Criticisms made within the scope of freedom of expression, as long as they do not damage an individual&#8217;s honor and dignity, cannot be considered insults.<\/strong> Criticism is a fundamental right in democratic societies and should be protected as it contributes to societal development. <strong>Even if criticism is expressed in harsh language, it does not automatically turn into the offense of insult.<\/strong> Therefore, distinguishing between criticism and <strong>insult is crucial for the proper application of freedom of expression.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-html\"><div class=\"cb-legal-box\">\n    <div class=\"cb-legal-inner\">\n        <p class=\"cb-legal-text\">\n            You can explore our other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/blog\/\" class=\"cb-legal-link\">articles<\/a> or contact us for your legal support inquiries.\n        <\/p>\n        <div class=\"cb-legal-action\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/contact-us\/\" class=\"cb-legal-btn\">Contact Us<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n.cb-legal-box {\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border: 2px solid #8b3516; \n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 30px;\n    margin: 30px auto;\n    width: 100%;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);\n}\n\n.cb-legal-inner {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    gap: 30px;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-text {\n    margin: 0;\n    font-size: 19px;\n    color: #333333;\n    line-height: 1.5;\n    flex: 2;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-link {\n    color: #8b3516;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n    font-weight: bold;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-action {\n    flex: 1;\n    text-align: right;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-btn {\n    display: inline-block;\n    background-color: #8b3516;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 14px 28px;\n    border-radius: 5px;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    font-weight: bold;\n    font-size: 16px;\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\n    border: 2px solid #8b3516;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-btn:hover {\n    background-color: #000000;\n    border-color: #000000;\n}\n\n\/* MOB\u0130LDEK\u0130 G\u00d6R\u00dcNT\u00dcY\u00dc D\u00dcZELTEN KISIM *\/\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .cb-legal-box {\n        padding: 20px 15px; \/* Yan bo\u015fluklar\u0131 azaltt\u0131k *\/\n        margin: 20px 0;\n        width: 100% !important;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-inner {\n        flex-direction: column !important;\n        gap: 15px; \/* Yaz\u0131 ve buton aras\u0131ndaki bo\u015flu\u011fu daraltt\u0131k *\/\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-text {\n        font-size: 16px; \/* Yaz\u0131y\u0131 mobilde bir t\u0131k k\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcltt\u00fck ki s\u0131\u011fs\u0131n *\/\n        text-align: center !important;\n        width: 100%;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-action {\n        width: 100%;\n        text-align: center !important;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-btn {\n        width: 80%; \/* Butonun ekran\u0131 komple bo\u011fmas\u0131n\u0131 engellemek i\u00e7in %80 yapt\u0131k *\/\n        padding: 12px 20px;\n        font-size: 15px;\n        display: inline-block; \/* Block yerine inline-block + %80 daha zarif durur *\/\n    }\n}\n<\/style><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_0a0f4a9a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><strong>LEGAL DISCLAIMER:<\/strong> The copyright of the articles and content on our website belongs to Av. Orbay \u00c7okg\u00f6r, and all articles are published with electronically signed time stamps to establish ownership. If any articles on our website are copied or summarized without providing a source link and published on other websites, legal and criminal proceedings will be initiated.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Index Toggle WHAT IS THE INSULT CRIME UNDER TURKISH LAW?HOW IS THE CRIME OF INSULT COMMITTED IN TURKEY?DEFINITION OF THE INSULT CRIME IN TURKEYCommitting the Crime of Insult in the Presence (Face-to-Face)Committing the Crime of Insult in the Absence of the VictimThe Crime of Insult via Internet and Social Media1- Proving the Crime of Insult...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6590,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6609","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}