Turkey has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged drug use involving some of the country’s most high-profile entertainers.
The Narcotics Crimes Bureau summoned 19 people for questioning and blood tests, including actresses Berrak Tüzünataç and Demet Evgar, and pop star Hadise Açıkgöz. All have denied the allegations through their lawyers, and no formal charges have been filed.
Turkish media reported that those summoned were questioned on Wednesday and released soon after providing blood samples. Authorities have not publicly commented on the case.
Under Turkish law, possession of drugs for personal use carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, though courts can opt for treatment or probation for first-time offenders.
The investigation has intensified concern over the state of freedom of expression in Turkey, where critics accuse President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government of using morality and security laws to silence dissenting voices.
In recent months, several artists and media figures have faced criminal proceedings. Musician Mabel Matiz was charged with “obscenity” in September over a song, while prosecutors are seeking jail terms for members of the girl band Manifest for “indecent behaviour” in their dance routines.
Last week, prominent journalist Fatih Altaylı went on trial for allegedly making “threatening” remarks against Erdoğan, a charge that carries a minimum five-year prison sentence.
The climate has also spilled into politics. Protests erupted earlier this year when Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure, was detained just days before being expected to secure a presidential nomination for the 2028 elections.
Erdoğan’s government has dismissed accusations of a crackdown, saying investigations and prosecutions are being conducted strictly in line with Turkish law.
