Two US consulate staff briefly detained for ‘offensive video’

Duvar English

Two employees of the U.S. consulate in Turkey’s southern province of Adana were briefly detained late on Nov. 19 over a video in which they were accused of “insulting” Islamic values.  

The authorities launched an investigation into the two Turkish nationals for violating the Article 216 of the penal code, which criminalizes public incitement to hatred or hostility and degrading sections of the public.  

The two Turkish nationals, a woman and a man, are seen partaking in a Halloween party in the video recorded on Oct. 31.  

“Dear friends, welcome to my channel. As you know, since this morning, we have been covered in sins, but do not think that there is no way through which you will get rid of your sins. This drink comes from Mecca, and once you drink this, you get rid of your sins, friends. Drink this and become clean, and then live your life,” says the accused woman on the video, pointing to a bottle of Zamzam water in her hand. Zamzam water is taken from a well in Mecca and is considered sacred to Muslims.

At the end of the video, the accused man appears, wearing a thobe (or thawb) -- most commonly found across the Arabian Peninsula and is considered the traditional Arabic clothing for men. He is also seen holding a glass, while telling the camera: “Drink this as well.”

After the relevant video went viral on social media, Adana police late on Nov. 19 detained the woman and the man. After being questioned by the police, the two U.S. consulate employees were released.  

Adana Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement that the investigation had been launched over charges of “insulting religious values which have been embraced by a fraction of the society.” 

A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on Nov. 20 confirmed the detention and then release of the two consulate staff. 

“We are aware of reports that two of our Turkish citizen employees were involved in a personal social media post that was criticized for being offensive or disrespectful. We deeply regret any action by any members of our staff that would imply disrespect for any religion. The video was taken in a personal capacity and in no way represents the official views of the U.S. Government,” said the spokesperson.  

Asked if the U.S. Embassy was providing any assistance to the two Turkish employees, the spokesperson said: “We will continue to offer all appropriate assistance to our employees as permitted under Turkish law."