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Mabel Matiz barred from leaving Türkiye

Mabel Matiz on stage performing in Ankara. (Photo via Instagram/@Mabel Matiz)
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Mabel Matiz on stage performing in Ankara. (Photo via Instagram/@Mabel Matiz)
August 21, 2026 02:45 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish singer Fatih Karaca, known professionally as Mabel Matiz, has been placed under a judicial control measure barring him from leaving the country after testifying in an investigation into alleged "obscenity" tied to the video and lyrics of his song "Ha Leylim."

Matiz, who was called in to testify as part of the investigation, arrived at the Istanbul Courthouse in Caglayan with his lawyers.

Following his statement to the prosecutor's office, Matiz was referred to the on-duty magistrate's court, which officially imposed a travel ban as a judicial control measure.

Screenshot from the music video ''Ha Leylim'' of Mabel Matiz. (Photo via youtube.com)
Screenshot from the music video ''Ha Leylim'' of Mabel Matiz. (Photo via youtube.com)

Background of the investigation

In a statement issued on Aug. 13 by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was noted that the video clip and lyrics of the song "Ha Leylim," performed by the singer and released on digital platforms, were assessed as falling under the crime of "obscenity" as defined in Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code No. 5237.

The statement noted that an investigation had been launched ex officio—on the prosecutor's own initiative rather than following a complaint—to establish the facts and carry out the necessary investigative procedures.

Prior involvement in drug probe

The obscenity investigation follows a separate narcotics case from May 21, 2026, when the Bakirkoy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Istanbul ordered the detention of 25 entertainment figures, including Matiz.

Authorities stated that the suspects, who also included actress Serenay Sarikaya, faced accusations of purchasing, possessing, or using narcotics, as well as facilitating drug use.

Matiz was among the 14 individuals detained during that operation. According to Turkish media reports, coordinated searches across multiple Istanbul addresses turned up suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances.

August 21, 2026 02:46 PM GMT+03:00
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