Turkey’s up-and-coming girl group “Manifest” is facing up to a year in prison for accusations of alleged “indecent acts” and “exhibitionism”.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office indicted the six-member girl group after their performance in Kucukciftlik Park on September 6.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the band’s costumes and choreography violated public morality.
It further stated that the group “engaged in acts that could negatively affect the shared moral values of society.”
First Turkish girl group in years
Made up of Mina, Esin, Zeynep Sude, Emine Hilal, Lidya and Sueda, the group was formed earlier this year through the local televised talent show Big5 Turkiye.
Following the release of their debut album in July, the musical group began a two-day concert in Istanbul and a sold-out performance, which drew 12,000 fans.
Their K-pop-inspired routines propelled them to national prominence, and their hit single “Arıyo” (“I’m looking for”) was accepted for contention in the “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” category at the 68th Grammy Awards.
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Alleged violation of public morality
The group’s stint was cut short after top presidential adviser Oktay Saral denounced their September 6 performance for allegedly carrying out acts of exhibitionism.
Saral urged authorities to launch a proper investigation into the group.
In a statement on social media, the group defended their performance, clarifying that they had no intention to violate any rules.
“While we take full responsibility for our performance on stage, we would like it to be known that our intention was never to disturb anyone or disregard sensitivities,” the group said, in response to the prosecution’s indictment.
Politicised crackdown?
Observers said that the case is indicative of an increasing trend of moral policing and censorship targeting female artists.
In an interview with German media company Deutsche Welle, feminist historian Berrin Sonmez called this a political strategy by the ruling Justice and Development Party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to Sonmez, the political party is consolidating power by exploiting religious values that restrict women’s visibility in public life.
She pointed out that rather than Manifest’s lyrics, which called for “law, justice and equality”, the charges against them focused on their outfit’s “obscenity”.
Other female artists, such as popular pop sensation Sezen Aksu and singer Gulsen, have been the subject of similar criminal investigations and smear campaigns.
Adam Peaker 
Ian Trinidad