Turkish author on trial questions country's freedom of expression

'Turkish author Nedim Gursel, presently on trial for his book "The Daughters of Allah, " says increasing religious conservatism in Turkey may be endangering freedom of expression in the European Union-candidate country. Earlier this year, a Turkish court opened the way for a case to be brought against Gursel for insulting religion and inciting hatred through his fictitious portrayal of the life and family of the Prophet Mohammad. Rights groups have criticized laws they say limit freedom of speech in Turkey, which has put hundreds of writers on trial, including Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk. While most laws used to prosecute authors charge them with insulting "Turkishness" or "the Turkish people, " Gursel, 58, believes growing religious conservatism may be a new threat.'

To continue reading the article, follow the above link.
 

URL Link: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=102667

Author Organisation: The Daily Star