State-run news agency censors Turkish actor's letter to deceased colleague over 'joyous tavern' remark

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency has omitted a part of veteran theater actor Ferhan Şensoy's commemoration speech for late colleague Rasim Öztekin because the former said that he hoped they would one day "reunite in a joyous tavern in the sky." The agency instead published the speech as if Şensoy said that he hoped to meet with the deceased actor in the sky.

Friday March 12 2021 03:35 pm

Ferhan Şensoy (left) is seen with late actor Rasim Öztekin in this file photo.

Duvar English

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency has censored a part of veteran theater actor Ferhan Şensoy's memorial speech for colleague Rasim Öztekin by omitting a part where the former said that he hopes they reunite "in a joyful tavern in the sky."

Şensoy was unable to attend the memorial due to health issues, but his daughter Derya Şensoy read the letter he wrote to his late friend, where the omitted expression was written.

"One day I'll fly away to the sky too. We'll meet in a joyful tavern in the sky," Şensoy said in the letter.

Censorship in Turkey has not been uncommon under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), with publications getting shuttered for criticizing the government and broadcasters often facing fines and closures for the same reason.

The AKP has also been amping up their anti-alcohol policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, banning the sale of alcohol during the weekend under the pretense of health restrictions.