Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, one of the lead actors of the popular Turkish series Şakir Paşa Ailesi, was detained on April 3, 2025, as part of a controversial investigation surrounding boycott calls against certain companies and media organizations. This investigation follows a series of events that began with the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) President Ekrem İmamoğlu and 50 others on March 23, 2025, which has sparked significant public outcry and protests.
In the wake of these arrests, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made a bold call for a boycott on March 24, urging citizens to refrain from supporting businesses closely aligned with the government. This call was echoed by students who launched a social media campaign on April 2, advocating for a day of consumption stoppage to demonstrate their dissent. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office responded swiftly, initiating an investigation into the boycott calls based on allegations of 'hate and discrimination' and 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility.'
As part of this investigation, detention orders were issued for 16 individuals, with 11 being taken into custody on the morning of April 3. Among those detained, Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu stands out not only for his acting career but also for his vocal support of the boycott. He had recently shared a message on his X account, stating, "Boycott is a form of protest that can be evaluated within the scope of the freedom of expression and dissemination of thought and the right to assembly and demonstration march under the Constitution. It is guaranteed by Articles 25, 26, and 34 of our Constitution."
Üzümoğlu's involvement in the protests included sharing photos from demonstrations he attended with his theater team, further solidifying his stance against the government's actions. The Actors' Union has since expressed solidarity with him, stating, "Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu is not alone," as they work to gather information about the investigation and maintain communication with his legal team.
The repercussions of this investigation have extended beyond Üzümoğlu. Following Aybüke Pusat's removal from the TRT series Teşkilat due to her own boycott call, fellow actors Furkan Andıç and Boran Kuzum were also removed from their projects, while Rojda Demirer and Alican Yücesoy faced social media account closures. This wave of actions has drawn significant attention to the ongoing tensions between the government and those in the arts and media who choose to speak out.
As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about freedom of expression in Turkey. The government’s response to the boycott calls has been met with criticism from various quarters, including from prominent figures in the arts community. Actor Kubilay Aka condemned the detention of Üzümoğlu, stating, "I find it very dangerous for the future that any of my colleagues or citizens are detained for freely expressing their opinions." He emphasized the importance of recognizing the growing awareness among the public regarding the attempts to control narratives.
CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır echoed these sentiments, declaring, "You will not be able to digest it, you will not be able to silence it! Boycott is a right when Erdoğan does it, a crime when an artist does it, is that so? You are miserable people who make people lose their jobs and play with their bread! This is your justice, this is your corrupt order! You will not be able to silence art, our voice, or resistance." His remarks highlight a broader concern among opposition figures regarding the implications of the government's stance on dissent.
The public's reaction to these events has been one of solidarity and outrage, with many citizens participating in the boycott as a means of standing against perceived injustices. The April 2 boycott was not just a symbolic gesture but a significant moment where millions, including many celebrities, showed their discontent with the current political climate.
As the investigation continues, the fate of those detained, including Üzümoğlu, remains uncertain. The legal proceedings and public reactions will likely shape the discourse around freedom of expression and the role of artists in political activism in Turkey. The eyes of many are now on how this situation will develop, as it could set a precedent for future actions against dissenting voices in the arts.
In summary, the detention of Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu and others amid the boycott investigation highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Turkey. As public sentiment grows against government actions perceived as oppressive, the arts community's role in advocating for change becomes increasingly significant. The unfolding events will undoubtedly resonate within the broader context of political discourse in the country.
