Fazil Say, a Turkish pianist and composer, was put on trial in Istanbul today (18 October) for insulting Islam in Twitter posts.

The musician is charged with inciting hatred and public enmity, and with insulting “religious values”. He could face 18 months in prison if found guilty.

Say, who has performed with the New York Philharmonic and served as a cultural ambassador for the European Union, has since received death threats, according to his lawyer. The trial has been adjourned until 18 February.