Turkey launches probe into HBO series citing ‘moral’ values: What to know
The probe into the TV series has fueled debate over censorship and artistic freedom in the country.
ANKARA — Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog has launched an investigation into the television series "Jasmine," citing concerns that the show violates "national values" and "exploits women," in the latest scrutiny of digital content by authorities.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council, or RTUK, said Monday it had opened a probe into the series, arguing its storyline conflicted with Turkey’s moral and family values.
"Jasmine," which was produced in Turkey and launched its first episode on the HBO Max digital platform on Dec. 12, follows the story of a young woman in Istanbul suffering from a terminal heart condition who turns to prostitution in an effort to survive and secure a transplant.
“An investigation has been launched [into the series] due to content that … clearly contradicts our national and moral values, exploits women, and violates general standards of public morality,” a statement by RTUK said.
Turkey has in recent years increased oversight of content produced for digital platforms, requiring streaming services to obtain licenses and comply with broadcast regulations similar to those governing television.
The investigation into "Jasmine" comes amid broader debate in Turkey over freedom of expression and media regulation.
While RTUK is officially an independent regulatory body on paper, it is often seen as aligning with government policies due to the board's composition, which is dominated by members appointed by the ruling Justice and Development Party and its allies.
Government critics, in turn, argue that RTUK’s fines and regulations amount to censorship, restrict freedom of expression and artistic freedom, and turn the watchdog into a tool for enforcing the government’s cultural and political preferences.
In September, the watchdog fined five international streaming platforms and ordered the removal of several films and series, citing what it claimed were concerns that content promoting “homosexuality” conflicted with “national and moral values.”
The fines came amid a broader push by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has intensified rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community. The government has designated 2025 as the Year of the Family, an initiative officials say is aimed at promoting traditional family values, but which critics argue has been used to justify policies limiting LGBTQ+ visibility.
Neither the producers of "Jasmine" nor the streaming platform carrying the series have publicly commented on the investigation. Al-Monitor has reached out to HBO's Turkey representatives.
RTUK said the review process is ongoing and a final decision would be announced once the assessment is complete.
Under Turkish law, the watchdog has the authority to impose fines, suspend programs or order content removals if violations are found.
