Government Continues Crackdown on Art and Artists, Creating Division

The political administration is intensifying its restrictions and pressure on art and artists. A recent example is the investigation launched against musician Mabel Matiz on charges of obscenity related to his latest song.

Fatih Özakoğlu, General President of Müzik-Sen (Music Union), stated that a sharp distinction is being made between artists who are close to the government, those who can fly on the presidential plane, sit at his table, or attend AKP group meetings, and those who are critical.

Özakoğlu explained that artists who do not align with the ruling party are not only denied the benefits enjoyed by their pro-government counterparts but are also subjected to continuous pressure and investigations. This creates a challenging environment for artistic expression outside the government's favor.

The situation reflects a broader trend of suppression, where artistic freedom is curtailed, and artists face repercussions for expressing dissenting views or creating work that deviates from perceived norms favored by the administration.

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Artists who can fly on the president's plane, sit at his table, and attend AKP group meetings are sharply distinguished from those who are critical. The latter group, unable to benefit from the government's favors, are constantly struggling with pressure and investigations.