Famous Turkish pianist Fazıl Say's trial for remarks he made on Twitter allegedly supporting atheism begins in an Istanbul court today, Oct 18, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The indictment calls for Say to be sentenced to 18 months in prison for "insulting the religious values of a section of society."

A number of prominent artists have expressed their support for Say in a written statement, protesting court cases that they said are forced upon artists.

Minister for EU Affairs Egemen Bağış voiced regret over the trial: "I wish Fazıl Say wouldn't oblige us to make such explanations on international platforms."