Citizen challenges fine for sharing alcohol content on social media

A Turkish citizen is contesting a significant administrative fine levied for sharing content on social media that authorities deemed promotional for alcoholic beverages. Yiğit Dören was initially fined 82,244 Turkish lira under Law No. 4250, which governs spirits and spirituous liquors.

Although Dören paid the fine within the legal timeframe, benefiting from a 25% early payment discount and reducing the amount to 61,683 lira, he has since filed a lawsuit with the Muğla 1st Magistrate's Court of Peace, seeking the cancellation of the administrative penalty. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, through its General Directorate of Legal Services, stated in its response to the court that Dören's social media account contained photos and videos identified as advertisements for alcoholic drinks.

The ministry's filing detailed that following an investigation and identity verification through the General Directorate of Security, Dören was penalized for violating Article 6 of Law No. 4250 by advertising and promoting alcoholic beverages to consumers. The ministry has requested the court to reject Dören's appeal.

Conversely, Dören maintains that his posts were not intended as advertisements. He asserts that he is neither an owner, employee, nor manager of any alcohol company. "I am an ordinary citizen who consumes beverages I purchase and pay taxes on, and shares the moments with friends on my social media account," he stated, deeming the fine "unlawful, unjust, and baseless." He expressed his trust in the judiciary and awaits the outcome of the legal process.