Students acquitted in trial over alleged insult to President Erdoğan during 'Insect Festival' at Ankara University
Ten students from Ankara University have been acquitted of charges of "insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan" during a satirical prayer at the university’s traditional 'Insect Festival' (İnek Bayramı). The prosecutor in the case determined that the remarks constituted "harsh criticism" and not a criminal offense. The court agreed and ruled for acquittal.
The 'Insect Festival' has been a long-standing tradition at the Political Science Faculty of Ankara University, dating back to the 1930s. In this case, the students were accused of "publicly denigrating religious values" and "insulting the president" during the festival's satirical prayer. The third hearing took place at the Ankara 68th Criminal Court of First Instance, with some of the students and their lawyers present.
Defense argues for freedom of satire
Speaking on behalf of all the defendants, lawyer Kerem Altıparmak highlighted that satire involving public figures is common and not criminal. He referenced humor and criticism directed at Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu over diploma controversies, noting that no legal action had been taken in those cases. Altıparmak argued that using a politician’s diploma as the subject of satire is not a crime.
Prosecutor calls for acquittal
The prosecutor, in the final opinion, stated that the elements of the alleged crimes were not met and that the students' statements should be considered "harsh criticism," which is tolerable in a democratic society. The court accepted the prosecutor's view and acquitted all the defendants.
This marks the second time a legal case has been filed over the long-standing 'Insect Festival' tradition at Ankara University.
