25.02.2026 23:20
Soner Akbal, who reacted to the change of the recess bell at Çenesuyu Middle School in Derince, Kocaeli, to the hymn 'Pilgrims at the Kaaba', was detained in Istanbul. Akbal had recorded a statement next to the school principal, saying, 'If that's the case, let them play the song during the fast of the 12 Imams as well. What you are doing is illegal, wrong. Is this the Kaaba?'
Soner Akbal, who reacted to the change of the recess bell at Çenesuyu Middle School in Derince district of Kocaeli to the hymn "Pilgrims at the Kaaba," was detained in Istanbul.
Akbal, recording in front of the school principal, said, "If that's the case, let them play the hymn during the 12 Imams' fast as well. What you are doing is illegal, wrong. Is this the Kaaba?"
It was learned that Akbal was detained in the evening hours while he was in Istanbul for a family visit.
It was stated that Akbal had previously been summoned to the Kocaeli Police Department for a statement for tomorrow, yet he was still subjected to detention.
THE DEVELOPMENT WAS ANNOUNCED BY MURAT EMIR
The news of the detention was announced by CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir on his social media account. In his post, Emir criticized the detention of Akbal, stating that there was no suspicion of him fleeing and that he had been summoned for a statement.
Emir said, "Soner Akbal, a parent who reacted to the change of the recess bell at Kocaeli Derince Çenesuyu Middle School to the hymn 'Pilgrims at the Kaaba,' saying, 'Let them play the hymn during the 12 Imams' fast as well. Is this the Kaaba?' was detained in Istanbul at his mother-in-law's house like a notorious criminal!
What is this grudge, what is this rush?
This citizen was already told to come to Kocaeli Police tomorrow to give his statement. He is not a fugitive, not a criminal!
Your concern is not the law; your concern is to intimidate every voice that does not remain silent and points out your mistakes with a "dawn raid" operation!
We are following the issue." he stated.