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Turkish rappers Lvbel C5 and Alizade, along with composer Can Akdogan, face up to five years in prison after prosecutors accused them of publicly inciting criminal activity through the lyrics and music video of their song "Kahpe."
The Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office completed its investigation and filed an indictment alleging that the song's content could pose a threat to public safety, according to a report by Sabah journalist Elyesa Karatepe.
The investigation was launched following complaints submitted through CIMER, Türkiye's Presidential Communication Center, a government platform that allows citizens to submit complaints and requests to public authorities.
According to the indictment, the music video includes a scene showing four people physically attacking a person lying on the ground.
Prosecutors also argued that certain lyrics could encourage violent behavior and should therefore be considered public incitement to commit a crime under Turkish law.
The indictment highlighted that the song and its video are easily accessible to young audiences, arguing that their content could create risks to public safety.
Lvbel C5, whose real name is Suleyman Burak Bodur, had previously been referred to a court with a request for his arrest during the investigation.
The court rejected the detention request but imposed a travel ban and regular police reporting requirements. It also ordered the rapper to undertake Turkish literature education and read books regularly.
Meanwhile, prosecutors were unable to obtain a statement from Alizade, whose full name is Asya Alizade, because she was abroad and subject to a five-year entry ban from Türkiye.
She instead submitted a written defense through her lawyer.
Prosecutors alleged that Bodur and Alizade jointly wrote and performed the song, while Akdogan contributed as its composer.
The indictment argued that all three acted with shared intent and requested prison sentences of up to five years each on charges of publicly inciting criminal activity.
The allegations remain part of the prosecution's case, and no conviction was reported.
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