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Conviction for atheism in Turkey

The sentence of Fazil Say is coming

The 10 month imprisonment of Fazil Say is a verdict "sad for Turkey",  as stated by the pianist. The penalty was then suspended for 5 years - during these years he must not repeat the actions for which he was convicted, under penalty of prison – the court process of blasphemy and incitement of hatred,  ended on charges of "insulting the religious values of one part of the population."

The crime committed by Say is based on the posts on Twitter. Last October, some ironic phrases of poet Omar Kahyyam deemed offensive to Islam - the pianist in a tweet is asking whether the Islamic paradise with its rivers of wine was a bar or a brothel full of virgins.

After the trial of Say, Omar Kahyyam has become one of the trending topics of Twitter in the country, and different users have shared the verses subject of litigation to challenge the conviction.

The protest did not come only from the public but also from Europe. A spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs, expressed "concern" for the conviction of Fazil Say, stressing "the importance for Turkey to fully respect the principle of freedom of expression."

The story turns on the spotlights of limitations to freedom of thought in the country and strengthens the controversy over the growing role of faith in a historically secular state, but ruled by a party of religious inspiration over the years.

Whether or not one agrees with the tone of the sentences of Say, that its damage is a real "process for atheism." The pianist has publicly stated to be an atheist - a rare gesture in a country where the majority of 75 million inhabitants is closely identifies as a Muslim - and concluded a television broadcast stating that "it is difficult for the government to put in prognosis. The government cannot decide whether or not a person believes in God". The judgment against him creates a dangerous precedent for similar cases in the future.

After the pronouncement of the Court, which Say did not attend, the pianist has issued a written statement expressing concern about the implication in terms of freedom of expression in his country. "I have not committed any crime - he repeated - but I was doomed anyway."

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