Fazil Say, a top Turkish pianist and composer, appeared in court on Thursday to defend himself against charges of offending Muslims and insulting Islam in comments he made on Twitter.
In June, Mr. Say, who has played with the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, was charged with inciting hatred and public enmity, and with insulting “religious values.” He faces a maximum 18-month prison term if convicted, although any sentence is likely to be suspended. Mr. Say, who has served as a cultural ambassador for the European Union, rejected the charges and demanded his acquittal, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. The trial was adjourned until Feb. 18.
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