Mabel Matiz given travel ban in ‘obscenity’ investigation over new song

Singer Mabel Matiz has been placed under an international travel ban following an “obscenity” investigation into their new song “Ha Leylim” and its accompanying music video. The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated the probe on August 13, three days after the song’s release. The inquiry came amid a coordinated campaign against Matiz on social media platforms and in state-aligned media outlets. On the day of the investigation, Matiz was questioned by prosecutors and subsequently referred to court, which issued the travel restriction. The music video for “Ha Leylim” features a man preparing to marry a woman who exchanges contemplative glances with another man at the wedding venue. The video, which has garnered over four million views on YouTube since its launch, does not include explicit or sexually suggestive imagery. Despite this, authorities have deemed the content potentially offensive under Turkey’s obscenity laws. Matiz has categorically denied the allegations, asserting that the visual elements in question, two men looking at each other, are not inherently obscene and should not be criminalized. In a public statement, Matiz explained that the song was written two years ago and that the concept for the music video was developed in collaboration with director Sinan Tuncay. The project aimed to portray traditional wedding customs from Turkey’s Thrace region. Matiz emphasized that the depiction of interpersonal dynamics, including moments of mutual gaze, is a common theme in artistic expression and should not be subject to legal scrutiny. They further stated that the interpretation of their work has often been influenced by their gender identity, leading to repeated demands for explanations from judicial authorities. “This is not the first time I have faced such investigations,” Matiz noted. “As an openly queer artist, I was previously charged with obscenity over my song ‘Perperişan,’ released in September. That case ended in acquittal.” The singer expressed frustration over the systemic attribution of criminal intent to their creative output based on personal identity. They questioned whether similar interpretations would apply to works by artists of different backgrounds, underscoring a broader concern about the politicization of artistic expression. The use of obscenity laws in Turkey has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond the regulation of explicit content to encompass a wider range of artistic and cultural expressions. This trend has led to increased scrutiny of public figures, including musicians and social media influencers, whose works are sometimes subjected to legal challenges. Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code outlines penalties for publishing obscene material, though the term “obscenity” lacks a clear legal definition. Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, along with fines. This pattern of enforcement has intensified in response to societal shifts and political pressures. In late 2025, a prominent girl band was also subjected to an obscenity investigation, resulting in a travel ban. Such cases highlight the growing role of legal mechanisms in shaping public discourse around gender, sexuality, and artistic freedom. For Matiz, the current situation represents yet another instance of how their identity influences the reception and interpretation of their work. Legal experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential misuse of obscenity laws to suppress dissent and limit creative autonomy. While the law aims to protect public morality, its broad application risks infringing on free expression. As the investigation continues, Matiz’s case will likely remain a focal point in ongoing debates about the intersection of law, culture, and identity in Turkey. The outcome of the proceedings may set a precedent for future cases involving artists whose work challenges conventional norms.