Fazil Say, the Turkish maestro of the piano, known across the world as a supreme virtuoso, maybe rattling jail house bars instead of tinkling the "ivories".
He is in court in Istanbul today for "inciting hatred and demeaning the values of Muslims."
This is the charge but what exactly is the crime of which he is accused?
Comments made to his fans on twitter have been used as prima facie evidence against him.
The references are too numerous to mention but here is the most frequently quoted:
"I am not sure if you have also realized it, but if there is a louse, a non-entity, a thief, a low-life or a fool it is invariably a radical islamist."
To which, if you live in the West, you might respond:
"More power to you,Fazil" but if you live in Turkey such a comment will have you playing the Jail House Rock duet with your favourite pianist.
Jubilate.
Ian
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