Turkish Actress Faces Police Interrogation Over Controversial TV Role

Turkish actress Melisa Sozen was questioned by police over alleged promotion of terrorist propaganda due to her role in the French series The Bureau. Despite her defense against the accusations, the incident highlights tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivities in Turkey.

Turkish actress Melisa Sozen has found herself in hot water after being questioned by police in Istanbul regarding her role in the French TV thriller The Bureau. Suspected of "promoting terrorist propaganda," the inquiry stems from her character, a double agent combating Islamist militants, whose costume reportedly drew parallels to the uniform of the Kurdish militia YPG—a group designated as terrorists in Turkey.

Sozen, 39, returned to Turkey from abroad and provided a statement to investigators but was not detained, as reported by DHA news agency. She clarified to the police that she did not recognize any resemblance between her character's outfit and that of a terror group, emphasizing that The Bureau has never aired in Turkey, thus minimizing local exposure to the character.

The controversy garnered traction on social media last August, compounding pressure on Sozen. In a defensive Instagram post, she articulated her discontent with the accusations, arguing that there had been no glorification of any terrorist organization in the series, which has enjoyed popularity in France since its premiere seven years ago.

"I do not accept the false accusations thrown at me," Sozen stated firmly, underscoring her 25-year acting career and expertise in weathering internet abuse. However, she also expressed concern for younger actors, indicating that the psychological toll of such harassment could be overwhelming for those with less experience.

Originally gaining recognition in Turkish film and television, Sozen achieved international acclaim with her role in Winter Sleep, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. This latest incident not only raises questions about censorship in Turkey but also places a spotlight on the intricate relationship between politics and artistic expression, particularly in the context of cultural narratives surrounding sensitive political issues.