Full Breakdown
Turkish Comedian Tuba Ulu Sentenced for “Publicly Degrading” a Segment of the Public Over Ottoman-Sultan Joke
7/14/2026, 9:05:07 PM
Core Event
Stand-up comedian Tuba Ulu received a five-month suspended prison sentence from Istanbul’s 13th Criminal Court of First Instance for “publicly degrading a segment of the public.” The conviction stems from a joke in which she said, “Even Kanuni [Sultan Suleiman] married his fuck buddy,” referencing the 16th-century Ottoman ruler and his wife Hürrem Sultan. Video excerpts of the routine spread on social media in April, prompting a criminal investigation, a brief detention, and an indictment in May for “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.”
Legal Background & Court Decision
Under Article 216/2 of the Turkish Penal Code, the prosecution sought a prison term of up to three years. The court, however, imposed a five-month sentence and deferred the public announcement of the verdict, effectively suspending its enforcement.
Defense Arguments
Ulu’s lawyers argued that the remark targeted historical attitudes, not contemporary groups, and cited European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence on freedom of expression. They maintained that her performance advocated for women’s rights and that the joke was a satirical critique of 16th-century gender norms, not an insult to any present-day segment of society.
Official Response & Prosecution Position
Prosecutors framed the case as an insult to historical, national, and spiritual values, asserting that the comedian’s words degraded women and incited hostility. The court’s ruling reflects the authorities’ stance that the expression crossed the legal threshold for protected speech.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had no intention of committing a crime. I never intended to belittle or divide any segment of the public. On the contrary, I have always been a unifying figure.” — Tuba Ulu, Comedian
- “I do not accept the allegations in the prosecutor's opinion that I had actions aimed at insulting women.” — Tuba Ulu
- “I have performed shows with positive discrimination toward women.” — Tuba Ulu
- “A satire has been made the subject of criminal proceedings. My client did not commit the offense alleged against her. We request her acquittal,” — Ulu’s lawyer
- “She requested acquittal.” — Ulu’s lawyer
