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Istanbul prosecutors have indicted Turkish singer Mabel Matiz on an obscenity charge over the lyrics and video of the song "Ha Leylim," seeking a prison sentence of six months to three years.
Prosecutors in Istanbul accuse Matiz, whose legal name is Fatih Karaca, of publishing or helping to publish obscene material.
They cite parts of the video and lyrics as the basis for the charge. Matiz has said the video portrays traditional wedding celebrations in Türkiye's Thrace region.
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The investigation opened on Aug. 13 over "Ha Leylim," released on Aug. 11, after authorities reviewed its lyrics and video together. Following questioning by prosecutors, a court barred Matiz from traveling abroad.
Matiz was acquitted on May 8 in a separate case over the song "Perperisan," released in Sept. 2025.
Prosecutors had argued that the song carried no age restriction and could endanger children. The court found that the elements of the offense were not met.
Matiz denied wrongdoing, saying his lyrics were being twisted and drew on a folk tradition of telling love stories through metaphor.
If a court accepts the indictment, Matiz will stand trial before a judge.
A hearing date has not been announced. The charge falls under Article 226 of the Turkish Penal Code, which prohibits publishing obscene material through the media.
Matiz has denied the allegations and described the song as a work of art.
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