Turkish Actress Investigated for Alleged Terrorist Propaganda in TV Role

Sozen defends herself against accusations linked to her character's costume in 'The Bureau' as she returns to Turkey.

Istanbul police have questioned Turkish actress Melisa Sozen, following allegations of "promoting terrorist propaganda" due to her role in the French TV series The Bureau. The 39-year-old actress, who portrayed a double agent battling Islamist militants in the 2017 show, has recently faced backlash on social media concerning her character Esrin's uniform, which some claim resembles that of the Syrian Kurdish militia YPG, classified as a terrorist group by Turkey.

Reports indicate that Sozen, who returned from abroad, provided a statement to police but was not detained. She reportedly informed investigators that she did not realize her character's costume bore any resemblance to a terror group and pointed out that The Bureau has not aired in Turkey.

Following intense online criticism last August, the actress took to Instagram to defend herself, asserting that the show does not glorify any terrorist organizations and questioned why accusations had not surfaced during its seven-year run. "I do not accept the false accusations thrown at me," she stated. Sozen reflected on her extensive career, which began in Turkish television and film, noting that she had grown a thick skin against cyberbullying, but acknowledged that it can be overwhelming for younger individuals.

Sozen gained international recognition for her role in Winter Sleep, which won the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014.