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🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

Comedian Jailed in Turkey for Sultan Joke

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • Comedian Tuba Ulu was sentenced to five months in prison for a joke about Ottoman sultans.
  • The charge against her was "inciting hatred and enmity among the people."
  • The case highlights the risks comedians face in Turkey, where humor can lead to legal repercussions.

In Turkey, even a joke about historical figures can land a comedian in jail. Comedian Tuba Ulu, 45, recently received a five-month prison sentence for remarks made during a performance about Ottoman sultans. Her alleged offense: stating that sultans, including Süleyman the Magnificent, "married their fuck buddies," referring to concubines in the palace harem.

While the statement might be historically informed, albeit stylistically bold, prosecutors deemed it grounds for prosecution. Ulu was charged with "inciting hatred and enmity among the people." The court found her guilty, sentencing her for a joke about a sultan who died nearly five centuries ago. This case underscores the precarious position of comedians in Turkey, where laughter can indeed be a risky business.

married their fuck buddies

— Tuba UluThe comedian's statement about Ottoman sultans' relationships, which led to her prosecution.

According to columnist Yavuz Baydar, the scene for stand-up comedians in Turkey is fraught with peril. The risk of the stage transforming into a prison cell is ever-present. The summer has provided stark examples of how easily a joke can escalate into a legal battle, illustrating the thin line between humor and prosecution in the country.

inciting hatred and enmity among the people

— ProsecutorThe charge brought against Tuba Ulu for her comedic remarks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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