26.02.2026 20:12
After being detained following his reaction to the school bell being replaced with a religious hymn in Derince, parent Soner Akbal emphasized in his first statement after being released that he was misunderstood. Akbal stated that his words did not aim to attack sacred values, expressing that he did not disrespect any belief or sacred value, and that it saddened him to see his words being taken out of context.
Soner Akbal, who reacted to the change of the recess bell at Çenesuyu Middle School, where his child studies in the Derince district of Kocaeli, to the hymn "Pilgrims at the Kaaba," was detained in Istanbul.
After sharing these moments on social media, Akbal was detained and stated in a statement after his release that he was misunderstood.
BACKGROUND OF THE INCIDENT
Soner Akbal, who opposed the change of the bell sound to a hymn at the school where his child is educated in Derince, reacted to the situation and shared a video in front of the school. Akbal recorded next to the school principal, saying, "If that's the case, let them play the hymn during the fast of the 12 imams as well. What you are doing is illegal, wrong. Is this the Kaaba?"
After his post, Akbal was detained on charges of "inciting hatred and hostility among the public."
FIRST STATEMENT AFTER COURT
Akbal, who was referred to the Kocaeli Courthouse today, was released after the prosecution and court stages. Speaking to the crowd and press members waiting for him outside the courthouse, Akbal emphasized that his statements were misunderstood. Akbal said, "I am a citizen of the Republic of Turkey, an Alevi individual. It is out of the question for me to disrespect any belief or sacred value. The Kaaba is our qibla, and I won't even open this to discussion. The misunderstanding of some words in the video and their misinterpretation has deeply saddened me."
"I AM FIGHTING FOR MY COUNTRY"
In his speech, Akbal gave a message of unity and solidarity, saying, "We are always ready to fight for this land under this flag. I hope that words spoken with excitement are not misinterpreted. We are all one."
Akbal stated: "Many have accused me of being 'godless' because of the word 'Kaaba,' but we are all citizens of Turkey. We are fighting for the prosperity, peace, and integrity of Turkey. We live under the same flag. You know we are always ready to fight for this land. So, let no one misunderstand me. We are all one, you are alive."