Turkey has found itself at the center of a heated debate this week after authorities launched a wide-ranging investigation into alleged drug use by some of the country’s most prominent entertainers. The probe, which burst into public view on October 8, 2025, has summoned 19 high-profile public figures—including beloved actresses Berrak Tüzünataç and Demet Evgar, as well as pop sensation Hadise Açıkgöz—for questioning and blood tests. The move, reported by several Turkish outlets and confirmed by the Narcotics Crimes Bureau, has ignited concerns about the state of artistic freedom and civil liberties in the country, even as all those involved have emphatically denied any wrongdoing.
According to BBC, the investigation began when the Narcotics Crimes Bureau called in the 19 individuals for questioning. The group, comprising singers, actors, and other entertainers, was asked to provide blood samples as part of the inquiry. While the authorities have not publicly commented on the specifics of the case, Turkish media reported that all those summoned were questioned on Wednesday and released soon after providing their samples. So far, no formal charges have been filed against any of the individuals.
Lawyers representing the accused entertainers have been quick to push back against the allegations. Each of the 19 has denied any involvement with drugs, and their legal teams have issued statements emphasizing their clients’ innocence. The lack of charges, at least for now, has done little to quell the public discussion swirling around the case.
Under Turkish law, the stakes are high. Possession of drugs for personal use carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. However, courts have the discretion to order treatment or probation for first-time offenders, offering a glimmer of leniency in certain cases. Still, the very public nature of the investigation—and the stature of those involved—has made the story front-page news across the country.
But this is about more than just a drug investigation. The timing and scope of the probe have intensified already simmering anxieties about freedom of expression in Turkey, particularly among artists and media professionals. Critics have long accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government of wielding morality and security laws as tools to silence dissenting voices. The current investigation, they argue, is just the latest example of this pattern.
Recent months have seen a string of high-profile cases that have only added fuel to the fire. In September 2025, musician Mabel Matiz was charged with “obscenity” over the lyrics of a song—a move that many in the artistic community interpreted as a direct attack on creative freedom. Prosecutors are also seeking jail terms for members of the girl band Manifest, citing what they describe as "indecent behaviour" in the group’s dance routines. These cases have sent a chill through Turkey’s cultural scene, with many fearing that the boundaries of acceptable expression are narrowing by the day.
The pressure has not been limited to the world of entertainment. On October 1, 2025, prominent journalist Fatih Altaylı went on trial for allegedly making “threatening” remarks against President Erdoğan—a charge that, if upheld, would carry a minimum five-year prison sentence. This case, too, has been closely watched by advocates of press freedom, who see it as part of a broader campaign to intimidate and silence critical voices in the media.
The political climate in Turkey has grown increasingly tense as a result. Earlier this year, protests erupted when Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu—a leading opposition figure and potential presidential contender—was detained just days before he was expected to secure the nomination for the 2028 elections. The move sparked outrage among his supporters and drew international attention to concerns about the rule of law and democratic norms in Turkey.
Against this backdrop, the current drug investigation has struck many as more than just a routine law enforcement action. Instead, it has been interpreted by some as part of a broader pattern of state intervention in the lives of public figures, particularly those seen as influential or outspoken. The fact that the investigation targets entertainers, who often hold significant sway over public opinion and enjoy large followings, has only heightened these suspicions.
For its part, the government has forcefully rejected any suggestion of a crackdown. Officials maintain that all investigations and prosecutions are being conducted strictly in accordance with Turkish law. They argue that the legal system is merely doing its job, regardless of the celebrity status of those involved. "Investigations and prosecutions are being conducted strictly in line with Turkish law," a government spokesperson insisted, according to reports from BBC and other outlets.
Still, the sense of unease remains palpable. Artists, journalists, and ordinary citizens alike are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Many worry that the investigation will have a chilling effect on creative expression, with some entertainers already expressing concern about the risks of speaking out or pushing artistic boundaries.
The broader context only adds to the complexity of the moment. Turkey has a long and complicated relationship with questions of morality, public order, and freedom of expression. The country’s laws on drug possession and obscenity have often been criticized by international human rights organizations for their potential to be applied arbitrarily or used to target political opponents. At the same time, supporters of the government argue that such laws are necessary to preserve social order and protect the country’s cultural values.
For now, the fate of the 19 entertainers remains uncertain. With no formal charges filed and the investigation still ongoing, all eyes are on the authorities to see whether the case will move forward—or quietly fade away. In the meantime, the debate over artistic freedom, legal rights, and the limits of state power in Turkey shows no sign of abating.
As the days tick by, the story continues to ripple through Turkey’s media, cultural, and political landscapes. Whether this investigation marks a turning point or simply the latest chapter in a much longer saga remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the intersection of celebrity, law, and politics in Turkey has never been more fraught—or more closely watched.