Top pianist tried in Turkey for “offensive” tweets

18 Oct 12 | Europe and Central Asia, minipost, News and features

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.

ACTA voted down by European Parliament

04 Jul 12 | Europe and Central Asia, Index Index, minipost

The European Parliament today voted to throw out the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The legislation, which was introduced to combat piracy, came under fire from activists who warned that its vague language threatened digital freedom. In December, the treaty was signed by all 27 government heads included in the European Union, but was not ratified. The treaty had support from countries outside of the EU, including the US, Singapore, and Canada.