ISTANBUL — World-renowned Turkish pianist Fazil Say went on trial on Thursday on charges of insulting Islam and offending Muslims in a series of provocative comments on Twitter, in a case that could revive fears of the Islamisation of Turkish society.
"I reject all the accusations," a visibly upset Say told the Istanbul court, as about 100 supporters gathered outside in protest at the case .
The 42-year-old virtuoso, who has played with the philharmonic orchestras of Berlin, New York, Tokyo and Israel, is charged with inciting religious hatred and insulting Islamic values in a series of provocative tweets.
He faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
In a written defence submitted to the court, Say said he did not seek to insult anybody, but was merely expressing his uneasiness with people who were abusing religion for their own benefits, according to Anatolia news agency.
"What I have done as an artist is to share my thoughts with my followers... It is clear that I haven't invited anybody to spread violence, or jeopardised public peace," he said.
The court adjourned the case to February 18 after rejecting his lawyers' request for an immediate acquittal. Continued, here.
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