Fatma Soydaş Detained Over Alleged Religious Insult; Influencer Appeals for Release

Fatma Soydaş, a 21‑year‑old TikTok and Instagram influencer originally from Mardin and based in Istanbul, has become one of Turkey’s most discussed digital creators. She disclosed that she earns roughly 1.2 million Turkish lira gross each month through a paid‑subscription model on Instagram, though taxes and platform fees reduce her net income.

The Ankara Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı opened an investigation into her social‑media posts, alleging that they constitute a public insult to religious values under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code. After locating her in Istanbul, authorities detained Soydaş, placed her in custody, and ordered a block on her TikTok and Instagram accounts. While in prison, she sent a message through relatives expressing remorse, emphasizing a newfound appreciation for freedom, and requesting release. She pledged to adopt a more modest lifestyle if freed. President’s advisor Oktay Saral also commented on the case on social media.