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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a meeting of local administrators in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Turkey Urges Germany to Open Criminal Case Over Satire About Erdogan

© AFP 2021 / Yasin Bulbul/Presidential Press Service

10:21 GMT 11.04.2016(updated 13:17 GMT 11.04.2016) Get short URL

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The Turkish government expects prosecution of German comedian and journalist Jan Böhmermann who had performed his satirical poem about Erdogan in a ZDF TV Channel show on March 31, German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel reported.

In his poem, Böhmermann harshly criticized the Turkish leader for his policy using insulting phrases such as "President with a small d*ck" and "Most of all he likes to f*ck goats and suppress minorities."

Following the show, Turkish authorities have sent the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs a so-called verbal note in which they demanded an initiation of a criminal case against the journalist. In response, German officials promised to "carefully and as quickly as possible" examine the contents of the claim and make a decision on further action.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan listens to statements at the COP21, United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Le Bourget, outside Paris, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015

© AP Photo / Francois Mori

Crackdown? Satirical Poem on Erdogan Censored by German TV Channel

According to the newspaper, the response of the German authorities could mean that the possibility of Böhmermann's persecution actually exists. The situation has caused a vivid debate in German society with some experts arguing that German "submission" might result in violations of freedom of press and expression in the country.

Earlier, some German media interpreted the verse as offensive, with ZDF TV Channel removing the poem from its multimedia library.

If convicted, Böhmermann may face up to three years in prison for insulting the authorities or representatives of another country.

Related:: European Parliament Slams Erdogan for Disrespect of German Democracy

: Big Gamble: How Erdogan's 'Pyrrhic Victory' Over EU Could Hit Turkey

Tags:

satire, prosecution, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Europe, Turkey

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