Tolga Akış faces indictment for alleged mediation of obscene content

Tolga Akış, the founder and producer of the music group Manifest, faces a potential prison sentence of 6 months to 3 years following an indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The indictment alleges that Akış mediated the distribution of obscene content through press and broadcast media.

Prosecutors argue that Akış’s role extended far beyond that of a traditional manager. The indictment claims he acted as the architect of the group’s shows, personally selecting members through the ‘Big5 Türkiye’ program, managing all financial transactions, and making strategic decisions regarding stage choreography and costumes. The prosecution asserts that Akış was responsible for the group's commercial strategies and could not have been unaware of the impact these performances and outfits might have on public morality.

In his defense, Akış denied the allegations, stating that he only served as a manager and that the group's dance figures were not under his direct control. He also noted that the group's revenue was distributed with 60 percent going to the members and 40 percent to the management company. Additionally, forensic reports indicated that drug tests taken from Akış were negative.