Bakırköy Chief Prosecutor's Office Launches Investigation Against Photographer Bennu Gerede Under Article 226 of Turkish Penal Code

The Bakırköy Chief Prosecutor's Office has launched an obscenity investigation against renowned photographer Bennu Gerede. The investigation was opened ex officio without waiting for any complaint after Gerede described a necklace she wore around her neck as a 'portable vibrator' during a YouTube program in which she participated.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code. The provision defines the public display or dissemination of obscene images, writings, or speech as a criminal offense and carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment.

Gerede, whose work is recognized internationally, ranks among Turkey's leading photography artists. The Bakırköy Chief Prosecutor's Office has previously initiated similar ex officio investigations on the grounds of social media posts and digital broadcast content; a portion of these investigations were concluded with decisions that prosecution was not warranted. As of now, no written statement has been issued to the public by Gerede's lawyer regarding the current stage of the investigation.