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A graphic designer was detained in İzmir, western Turkey, because of an anti-government campaign he initiated ahead of the elections.
Mahir Akkoyun tweeted early in the morning that he was being detained and taken to the Konak Security Branch.
He was investigated for "insulting the president" and "disrupting the electoral order," his attorney later revealed.
Akkoyun was released at around 5.30 p.m.
Akkoyun designed stickers criticizing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ally Devlet Bahçeli over high costs of living and called on the people to put them on products.
The campaign quickly went viral on social media, with people sharing photos of stickers from grocery and clothing stores.
One sticker mostly stuck on products reads, "Is this product too expensive for you? Thanks to Erdoğan... Keep this in mind when you vote."
Another sticker with Erdoğan and Bahçeli's photos reads, "This product is expensive because of us. Keep this in mind when you vote. (HA/VK)
838h920 on April 7th, 2023 at 10:37 UTC »
If his stickers didn't go viral before his arrest, then they're definitely doing so now.
Beshmundir on April 7th, 2023 at 10:32 UTC »
https://twitter.com/griffin_haber/status/1644285737511133185
He is getting transported to the Courthouse right now
https://twitter.com/griffin_haber/status/1644288016343597057
people prostesting his arrest
https://twitter.com/HalkevciAnkara/status/1644292620791824384/photo/1
Someone drew a grafitti it reads : Release (FREE) Mahir Akkoyun (graphic designer in question)!
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/biden-gas-pump-sticker-arrest-b2055654.html
Now erdogan supporters are sharing this on twitter and trying to justify his arrest, claiming that you can get arrested for this in USA ( land of freedom ) too.
https://twitter.com/solcugazete/status/1644301839024750593
His charges are, defamation to the president ( sadly this is a law in turkey ) and disturbance of to the upcoming elections in may 14th, making foundationless rumours according to the the law no 298.
https://twitter.com/KaanAkinCHP/status/1644299664898785281
Biggest opposition party's Istanbul office's vice president tweeted that Mahir Akkoyun was brought into the court with house arrest or probation ( couldn't understand that well ) and ne exeat ( he is banned from leaving Turkey ) by the Prosecutor. He is expected to be released in 1-2 hours.
https://twitter.com/solcugazete/status/1644313709102215169
He is finally free, He was set free on probation, house arrest and ne exeat.
TN: This is the pinnacle of freedom of speech in Turkey, You can talk shit to opposition members all day but if you say something against Erdo you are arrested immediately at 6am cops knocking on your door. I just hope that this time he loses on the upcoming elections.
I think this will spark more protests around the country, I will post updates whenever I can
EquivalentSpirit664 on April 7th, 2023 at 10:30 UTC »
Thank you Erdogan you'll be gone in May ;)