This report reviews Turkey’s continued criminalization of blasphemy under Article 216(3) of the Turkish Penal Code, which permits a prison sentence ranging from six months to one year for an individual “who openly insults the religious values of a section of the public.” The Turkish government’s use of this article is generally politically motivated and seeks to penalize individuals perceived to have insulted or mocked Islam, or to intimidate or retaliate against critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), or others associated with the current government. The report concludes by highlighting select recent cases of individuals and entities that have faced criminal blasphemy charges.

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