Famous Turkish pianist goes on trial for insulting IslamOctober 18, 2012 - 12:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |