What is the crime of insult?

What is the Crime of Insult? | Izmir Criminal Lawyer | Izmir Law Firm

Law No. 5237 Turkish Penal Code’According to Article 125 of the law, "A person who attributes a concrete act or fact to another person that is likely to offend their honor, reputation, and dignity, or who attacks a person's honor, reputation, and dignity by insulting them...", thus clarifying how insult can occur and, most importantly, which actions the law considers insulting.

The crime of insult, or verbal abuse, can be committed in the presence of the victim, in their absence, or publicly. 

In some cases, the crime of insult constitutes an 'aggravated offense,' in which case the penalty is increased. Insulting a public official because of their duties is an example of this. 

Statute of Limitations and Conciliation: 

Hakaret davasına konu olan ve şerefe karşı suçlar başlığı altında tanımlanan şekilde kanunun suç saydığı sözlü veya yazılı, eylem veya eylemlere maruz kalan kişinin, altı ay içerisinde suçun işlendiği yer Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı’na olayı anlatan bir şikâyet dilekçesiyle müracaatı ile soruşturma başlatılır. Dolayısıyla takibi şikayete bağlı bir suç olup altı aylık zamanaşımına tabiidir. Hakaret suçları uzlaştırma hükümlerine tabii olup;  kamu görevlisine ve cumhurbaşkanına hakaret suçu, şikayete tabi suçlardan olmadığından uzlaştırma kapsamında değildir.

Method of Proof: 

In cases involving defamation, the victim must provide evidence to prove their harm. While witness testimonies are accepted as evidence, legally obtained video and audio recordings, correspondence, or social media records are also required to be presented to the courts as proof of defamation.

Which words constitute the crime of insult?

Burada suçun oluşmasında kıstas , kişinin onur, şeref veya saygınlığını rencide edecek somut bir fiil veya olgu isnat edilmeli veya sövme yoluyla kişinin onur, şeref veya saygınlığına saldırılmasıdır. Kanunda belli şekillerde saymak mümkün değildir.  Örneğin Bir kişiye açık açık “şerefsiz”, “namussuz”, “pislik”, “aptal”, “geri zekalı”, vb. gibi sözler söylemenin hakaret suçunu oluşturacağı kuşkusuzdur.

Even if the specific fact attributed to a person emphasizes an existing physical or psychological characteristic, it still constitutes the crime of insult. For example, calling someone who limps "God's cripple" or calling a blind person "blind fellow" results in the commission of the crime of insult.

Which statements do not constitute the crime of insult?

Freedom of expression is a constitutional right. However, using this right in a way that offends the honor and dignity of others is not protected by the legal system. Of course, there are some exceptions to this. For example; 

• May God curse you. (Cursing is not considered an insult)
• I'll come whenever I want, but you have to put the IV in, don't annoy me (to the nurse).
• Hey, we're not running away, why are you chasing us? (to the police)
• Who do you think you are? Shut up (to the teacher)
• Ignorant, inexperienced
• They're beating my brother, what are you doing here? You're not punishing anyone (to the prosecutor)

Some expressions, when used in everyday life, may be perceived as rude, offensive, or impolite. However, for such expressions to constitute a crime of defamation, they must objectively be of a nature that insults honor and dignity. Otherwise, individual sensitivities that may vary from person to person can lead to countless accusations of wrongdoing. 

Under certain specific circumstances, the expressions that constitute the elements of the crime of insult are not considered a crime. 

• Consent of the victim
• Enforcement of the law
• To obey the order of the competent authority.
• Immunity of claims and defenses
• The right to report and complain.
• The right to report
• The right to criticize
• The right to upbringing and discipline

 In these cases, the crime of insult does not occur. 

For legal advice on this matter, please contact our expert team. Contact page.

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