World known Turkish popstar faces jail time on drug charges

Pop star Tarkan Tevetoğlu could face up to two years in prison for alleged drug use, according to the indictment prosecutors submitted to the court for the case in which he would be judged with 16 other suspects.

Tarkan, who is among the most popular pop singers in Turkey and who has performed songs in English, was detained in February for using drugs. The indictment said he was accused of “buying, accepting or having drugs for use.” Prosecutors demanded an imprisonment sentence of between one and two years. The indictment also asked the court to evaluate whether Tarkan can be treated for drug addiction and given community service instead of being sent to prison.

Prosecutors also demanded similar penalties for another suspect, while accusing the other 15 of dealing drugs and more serious crimes. Prosecutors asked for prison terms between five and 23 years for them. The indictment, however, still must be accepted by the court. If accepted, the suspects will be tried in a court for serious crimes.


/Hurriyet Daily News/