Homeless man in Alanya admits insulting Erdogan to secure prison food and shelter

In a courtroom in Alanya, a 66-year-old homeless individual admitted to intentionally breaching Turkey’s article 299 by insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, explaining that he did so to obtain food and a bed in prison. He had previously attempted the tactic three times without success. The judge ordered him to remain in pre-trial detention while the case proceeds.

Under Turkish law, insulting the president is punishable by one to four years in prison, and the provision has been applied to thousands of people, including journalists and even a former Miss Turkey. Justice Ministry data show that from 2016 through the end of 2025, prosecutors opened almost 83,000 cases under articles covering insults to the president, flag, and state symbols. The incident highlights the continued use of the law as a tool for social control.