The official Web site of renowned pianist Fazıl Say has been closed down due to a flood of abusive messages following the controversial interview with him published in a German newspaper.

Say reportedly said in an interview with the German Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that Islamists have gained power in Turkey and that he might leave the country. His statements created heated debate in the country last week.

Many messages carrying insults have reached Say's Web site www.fazilsay.net, which featured his biography, works, albums and concert schedule.

Although Say's Web site has been closed down due to the offensive nature of the messages he has been receiving since the interview, the foreign company which prepares Say's Web site said that works are continuing to eliminate the technical problems in the site and that it could be active again early this week.

Meanwhile the interactive wall on the artist's facebook page where the artist met his admirers was also closed down because of similar messages.

The wall, which became active yesterday for a short time, featured Say's messages: “Allowing people to live; thinking about humanity and world; thinking about the homeland; trying to understand and not to get angry; being on the side of goodness and art.”
http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=92020

Is anyone at all surprised that many Turkish nationalists can't handle any criticism? Is this really "news"?

Hmmm... I can't say I'm surprised, but at the same time I'm shocked how serious the problem of censorship and LACK of freedom of speech is..

we are all free to speak about anything and they are free to put us in jail for that. doesn't that sound like free country?

i m free to speak about anything.. but if decide to do that i should keep it in my mind that "i have right to remain silent"
good night..