Social Media Star Mükremin Gezgin Released Pending Trial on Incitement and Prostitution Charges

Istanbul prosecutors have charged social media personality Mükremin Gezgin with inciting hatred and contempt against segments of the public, and with facilitating prostitution. The indictment details allegations that Gezgin acted as an intermediary for a transgender individual, known by the alias 'Masal' (real name Onur B.), and another person, Baki Z., to engage in sexual relations. Phone messages and financial transactions between the parties were reportedly examined as part of the investigation.

“

I met the mentioned Baki Z. by chance at a fish restaurant. He asked for my phone number, I liked him, and we started talking. I am known on the video-sharing site TikTok. I had made a video on TikTok with my friend known as 'Masal,' whose real name is Onur B. Baki saw this, called me, and said, 'There's a beautiful person with you, set me up.'

Gezgin, who gained fame on the video-sharing platform TikTok, denied the charges during the first hearing at the Istanbul 14th Assize Court. He claimed to have met Baki Z. coincidentally and that Baki Z. expressed interest in 'Masal.' Gezgin stated he used a different phone number to introduce himself as 'Masal' to Baki Z., leading to a conversation where he revealed his transgender identity and questioned Baki Z.'s intentions. Gezgin admitted receiving approximately 1,500 Turkish Lira and a promised plane ticket, which he described as 'pocket money,' but vehemently denied facilitating prostitution.

He further argued that his social media posts, which he described as akin to hosting 'women's matinees,' did not incite hatred or contempt. Gezgin requested acquittal, asserting his innocence.

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I introduced myself to Baki from my other phone number, which Baki didn't know, as Masal, saying 'I am Masal, I got your number from Mükremin.' Baki cut off the messaging and called me from my first number. I told him, 'I am a transgender person, and the person whose number you asked for is also transgender, why did you ask for her number?' and the conversation ended there.

Following Gezgin's testimony, the court decided to release him from custody. The court cited the time already served, the completion of initial testimonies, and the lack of opportunity to tamper with evidence as reasons for the release. Gezgin is now subject to an international travel ban and must report to the nearest law enforcement unit weekly. The court also ordered that Baki Z. be summoned as a witness in the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 8.

“

Baki sent me money once, around 1,500 lira, and he was going to buy a plane ticket once, but couldn't; he didn't send any other money, and I asked for the 1,500 lira as pocket money, and he sent it to me. I absolutely did not facilitate prostitution, and my posts did not incite hatred or enmity towards the public; I host women's matinees, I deal with social media, I am innocent, I request acquittal.