Melisa Sozen interrogated for alleged terrorist propaganda in French TV series
Melisa Sozen wearing a terrorist organization PKK/YPG uniform in the French TV series Le Bureau des Legendes (L). (Photo collage by OdaTV)
Actress Melisa Sozen has been called in for questioning over her role in a French television series that aired in 2017. She faces accusations of promoting terrorist propaganda following her portrayal of a character wearing a uniform associated with the the terrorist organization PKK/YPG.
Investigation launched by Turkish authorities
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into Sozen, citing her appearance in the French TV series “Le Bureau des Legendes.” The controversy centers around a scene from the 2016 show in which Sozen’s character dons a uniform resembling the one worn by the PKK/YPG.
Sozen denies allegations in interrogation
Upon her return to Türkiye, Sozen was questioned by law enforcement officers regarding the charges of terrorist propaganda. During her interrogation, the actress denied any knowledge that the outfit she wore symbolized a terrorist organization.
She explained that the series, in which she played an undercover agent, was not aired in Türkiye. Sozen also emphasized her patriotism, stating that she is someone who loves her country.
Public denial of terrorism allegations
In August, Sozen had addressed the issue on social media, rejecting the accusations and firmly stating that there was no glorification of any terrorist group in the show. “I do not accept the false accusations,” she had written, defending her role and actions.
Who is Melisa Sozen?
Born on July 6, 1985, in Istanbul, Melisa Sozen graduated from the Theatre Department of Pera Fine Arts High School. She has taken part in various theatre plays, films, and TV series. Between 2004 and 2005, she portrayed the character “Feriha” in Cemberimde Gul Oya, a series written and directed by renowned filmmaker Cagan Irmak.
In the summer of 2008, she hosted a TV program on NTV titled Dunyayi Kurtaran Kadin, which aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues. In 2009, she voiced the character “Clover” in the animated film Totally Spies! The Movie. That same year, she played the role of Narin Bulut in Bir Bulut Olsam, which was filmed in Mardin.
During the 2012-2013 season, she portrayed both “Yagmur” and “Sabah” in the TV series Subat. Sozen also played “Nihal” in Winter Sleep (Kis Uykusu), the Palme d’Or-winning film by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. In the 2014-2015 season, she took the stage in Kalp Dugumu, directed by Cag Caliskur and performed at Craft Theatre. In 2015, she appeared in the TV series Bes Kardes.
After a long break, Sozen returned to the screen in 2020 with the role of “Alya” in Kirmizi Oda, a drama series aired on TV8. Her remarkable performance as a guest star earned critical acclaim. She also played the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of Perihan Magden’s novel Biz Kimden Kaciyorduk Anne?, which premiered on February 24, 2023.
