Writer Is Acquitted of ‘Insulting Turkishness’
From Times Wire Reports
One of Turkey’s leading authors, Elif Shafak, was acquitted of “insulting Turkishness” -- a charge that many Turks viewed as an embarrassment and an obstacle to joining the European Union.
The speedy court decision was seen as a step toward securing greater freedom of speech, but critics said that until the law was abolished, Turkey would remain a place where authors were regularly put on trial.
Analysts said the government was reluctant to change the law because it had broad support.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
