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Home Ghana News Turkish celebrities questioned in treatment investigation – Life Pulse Daily

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Turkish celebrities questioned in treatment investigation – Life Pulse Daily

Editor-in-chiefOctober 10, 20255 Mins read164

Turkish celebrities questioned in drugs investigation Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Turkish government has opened a high‑profile narcotics investigation that includes several well‑known figures from the entertainment industry. Actress Berrak Tuzunataç, actress Demet Evgar, and singer Hadise Açıkgöz are among the 19 individuals summoned by the Narcotics Crimes Bureau for questioning and mandatory blood‑sample collection. This article explains the context of the probe, examines its legal background, and outlines what the allegations could mean for the country’s cultural sector.

Analysis

What triggered the investigation?

In early October 2025, Turkish law‑enforcement agencies announced a coordinated operation targeting alleged illegal drug use in the entertainment sphere. The operation is part of a broader effort by the Narcotics Crimes Bureau (NCB) to curb substance abuse, which the government claims has risen sharply among high‑profile public figures.

Who has been called in?

Actress Berrak Tuzunataç – known for her roles in popular TV dramas.
Actress Demet Evgar – a veteran of stage and screen with several award‑winning performances.
Singer Hadise Açıkgöz – a pop star who has represented Turkey in international music contests.
Sixteen additional individuals – a mix of musicians, social‑media influencers, and behind‑the‑scenes personnel.

Official response from the accused

All three celebrities have publicly denied any wrongdoing through their legal representatives. Their statements stress that they have fully cooperated with the investigation, and that no formal charges have been filed to date. The NCB has not released the results of the blood tests, and Turkish authorities have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case.

Broader political backdrop

The investigation arrives amid mounting concerns about freedom of expression in Turkey. Critics argue that the crackdown on artists and media professionals is part of a larger pattern of governmental pressure under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Recent high‑profile cases include:

Musician Mabel Matiz, investigated for alleged “obscenity” in a 2024 song, facing up to three years in prison.
Girl group MANİFEST, whose choreography was labeled “indecent,” prompting a potential one‑year jail term.
Journalist Fatih Altaylı, tried for “threatening” remarks against the president, with a possible five‑year sentence.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, detained in March 2025 shortly before being considered a presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

Summary

The ongoing narcotics probe underscores a tense intersection of law enforcement, celebrity culture, and political power in Turkey. While the three named stars have denied the allegations, the investigation highlights the government’s willingness to pursue legal action against public figures for alleged drug use. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially given Turkey’s strict drug‑possession penalties.

Key Points

Investigation scope: The Narcotics Crimes Bureau has summoned 19 individuals, including three high‑profile entertainers.
Legal process: No formal charges have been filed yet; authorities are awaiting blood‑sample results.
Potential penalties: Turkish law permits up to five years’ imprisonment for personal drug possession, though first‑time offenders may receive probation or treatment orders.
Political context: The probe coincides with a series of legal actions against artists, journalists, and opposition politicians.
Public reaction: The entertainment industry and free‑speech advocates view the investigation as a possible intimidation tactic.

Practical Advice

For Celebrities and Public Figures

Seek immediate legal counsel: A lawyer experienced in Turkish narcotics law can protect rights and advise on procedural steps.
Cooperate with testing: Promptly providing blood samples can demonstrate compliance and may mitigate harsher outcomes.
Maintain transparent communication: Public statements issued through legal representatives can help control narrative and reduce speculation.
Consider rehabilitation options: If a substance‑use issue is identified, voluntary treatment can be a mitigating factor in court.

For Industry Stakeholders (Managers, PR Teams)

Develop a crisis‑communication plan that aligns with Turkish defamation and privacy laws.
Monitor media coverage closely; correct misinformation quickly.
Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all public statements comply with court‑ordered confidentiality, if any.

Points of Caution

While the investigation is still ongoing, there are several risks to keep in mind:

Media speculation: Unverified rumors can damage reputations even before any legal determination.
Legal exposure: Failure to appear for scheduled questioning or to provide required samples may lead to additional charges.
Political ramifications: Aligning publicly with or against the government may affect future career opportunities in Turkey.
International travel: A pending investigation could complicate visa applications or entry into other countries.

Comparison

Turkey vs. European Union drug‑possession policies

Country/Region	Maximum Penalty for Personal Use	Typical First‑Offender Treatment
Turkey	Up to 5 years imprisonment	Probation, mandatory treatment, or fine (court discretion)
Germany	Up to 5 years imprisonment (rare for personal use)	Therapeutic community programs, fines, or conditional discharge
France	Up to 5 years imprisonment	Probation and drug‑rehabilitation programs
United Kingdom	Up to 7 years imprisonment	Court‑ordered rehabilitation, community service

Celebrity legal outcomes in comparable cases

In past high‑profile Turkish cases, courts have shown a willingness to impose probation or treatment orders for first‑time offenders. For example, a popular TV presenter was sentenced to a 12‑month probation period in 2022 after a positive drug test, avoiding incarceration.

Legal Implications

Under Turkish Penal Code Article 188, possession of narcotics for personal use is punishable by imprisonment ranging from one to five years. However, Article 191 allows judges to substitute imprisonment with probation, community service, or mandatory rehabilitation for first‑time offenders who demonstrate willingness to undergo treatment.

Key legal considerations for the celebrities involved include:

Presumption of innocence: Until a formal indictment, the individuals remain legally innocent.
Evidence handling: Blood‑sample results must be processed according to the Turkish Criminal Procedure Code, ensuring chain‑of‑custody integrity.
Potential for civil defamation claims: If media outlets publish unverified allegations, affected parties may pursue civil damages under Turkish press law.
Impact on future contracts: Production companies may include morality clauses that allow termination if a party is convicted of a drug‑related offense.

Conclusion

The ongoing narcotics investigation involving Berrak Tuzunataç, Demet Evgar, and Hadise Açıkgöz reflects a broader trend of heightened legal scrutiny of public figures in Turkey. While the legal process is still in its early stages, the case underscores the importance of swift legal representation, transparent communication, and awareness of Turkey’s stringent drug laws. Observers will watch closely to see whether the outcomes set a new precedent for how celebrity drug allegations are handled within the nation’s judicial system.

FAQ

What is the Narcotics Crimes Bureau?: The NCB is a specialized unit of the Turkish National Police responsible for investigating drug‑related offenses, including trafficking, distribution, and personal use.
Can a celebrity be sentenced without a conviction?: No. Turkish law requires a formal indictment and a court judgment before any sentence can be imposed.
What are the possible penalties for first‑time drug possession?: Judges may impose up to five years imprisonment, but they often opt for probation, fines, or mandatory rehabilitation for first‑time offenders.
How does this investigation affect freedom of speech in Turkey?: Although the case focuses on alleged drug use, critics argue that the timing aligns with a pattern of legal actions against artists and journalists, potentially chilling expressive freedoms.
Will the investigation impact the careers of the involved celebrities?: While no verdict has been reached, public perception and contractual clauses could affect future work opportunities, especially if a conviction occurs.
Is there any international precedent for similar cases?: European countries often favor treatment over incarceration for first‑time personal‑use offenses, but each jurisdiction applies its own legal framework.