Turkey’s rising girl group “Manifest” faces up to a year in prison over allegations of “indecent acts” and “exhibitionism”.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment against the six-member group after its performance at Kucukciftlik Park on September 6.
Prosecutors said the group’s costumes and choreography violated public morality. They also accused the members of taking part in acts that could harm society’s shared moral values.
First Turkish girl group in years
Manifest consists of Mina, Esin, Zeynep Sude, Emine Hilal, Lidya and Sueda. The group formed earlier this year through the Turkish television talent show Big5 Turkiye.
After releasing their debut album in July, the group quickly gained attention across Turkey. They later performed a two-day concert in Istanbul, including a sold-out show attended by around 12,000 fans.
Their K-pop-inspired performances helped push them into the national spotlight. Their hit single “Arıyo”, which means “I’m looking for”, also gained international attention.
The song was accepted for consideration in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Alleged violation of public morality
The controversy began after Manifest performed at Kucukciftlik Park on September 6. Presidential adviser Oktay Saral criticised the performance and accused the group of exhibitionism.
Saral then called for authorities to investigate the group.
Manifest later defended its performance and said the members never intended to offend anyone or ignore social sensitivities.
“While we take full responsibility for our performance on stage, we would like it to be known that our intention was never to disturb anyone or disregard sensitivities,” the group said in response to the indictment.
The case could now lead to a prison sentence of up to one year if the court finds the group guilty.
Politicised crackdown?
The case has also sparked a wider debate about censorship and moral policing in Turkey. Some observers see the prosecution as part of a growing pattern involving female artists.
Feminist historian Berrin Sonmez told Deutsche Welle that the case reflects a political strategy linked to the ruling Justice and Development Party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Sonmez argued that political leaders use religious and social values to place greater restrictions on women’s visibility in public life.
She also noted that prosecutors focused on Manifest’s clothing and choreography rather than the group’s lyrics. The group’s songs have included themes such as law, justice and equality.
Manifest is not the first Turkish female music act to face controversy of this kind. Popular artists such as Sezen Aksu and Gulsen have also faced investigations and public criticism in the past.
The Manifest case has therefore raised questions about artistic freedom, public morality and the treatment of female performers in Turkey.
For now, the six members continue to face the legal process over their Istanbul concert. The case could become an important test of how Turkish authorities handle performances by young female artists.
