I Was Insulted on Social Media in Turkey — What Are My Rights? 2026 Guide

An argument escalates.

The comments get harsher.

And the other person posts something openly demeaning about you on Instagram, X, or in a WhatsApp group.

The first question that usually comes to mind is: “Is this a crime — what can I do?”

In this guide, we answer the most common questions about insults committed via social media.

Is Insulting Someone on Social Media a Crime?

Yes.

Article 125 of the Turkish Criminal Code makes it a crime to attribute a concrete act or fact that demeans a person's honor, dignity, and reputation, or to insult them through abusive language.

This applies equally when the insult is made through messaging apps or social media posts.

What Is the Penalty for Insult Under Turkish Law?

Under Article 125, the crime of insult carries a penalty of three months to two years' imprisonment, or a judicial fine.

Which Posts Count as Insult, and Which Don't?

Posts that demean a person's dignity, attribute a concrete offense to them, or contain abusive language can fall within the scope of insult.

On the other hand, harsh criticism or an uncomfortable comment that doesn't rise to the level of insult may not always constitute a crime — the line between free expression and insult is assessed based on the specific circumstances.

Why Can the Penalty Be Higher for Insults Made on Social Media?

Committing the insult publicly — in a setting visible to multiple people — is an aggravating factor.

Since social media posts are considered public in this sense, the penalty for a publicly committed insult can be increased by a set proportion.

How Long Do I Have to File a Complaint?

Insult is an offense that is investigated and prosecuted only upon complaint.

The complaint period is 6 months from when the victim learns of the act and the perpetrator's identity, but in any case, it cannot exceed 2 years from the date the act was committed.

What If I Miss the Deadline — Can I Do Nothing?

Once the deadline for a criminal complaint passes, that route may no longer be available.

However, a separate civil lawsuit for moral damages based on violation of personality rights can still be considered; this type of claim has its own statute of limitations.

Does Mediation Apply to Insults Committed on Social Media?

This is where an important and relatively recent change comes in.

As of November 14, 2024, insults committed via message or social media (under Article 125/2) are no longer subject to mediation — instead, a pre-payment (önödeme) procedure applies.

What Is Pre-Payment?

Pre-payment is a procedural mechanism that allows a public prosecution to be avoided, or dropped, if the suspect pays a specified amount.

In practice, the pre-payment amount is around 9,000 TRY for insult via message, and around 10,500 TRY for insult committed publicly on social media — these figures can be updated, so the current legislation should be checked for the exact amount.

The Person Who Insulted Me Uses a Fake/Anonymous Account — What Can I Do?

A complaint and investigation can be initiated even if the perpetrator's identity isn't fully known.

Investigating authorities can request the necessary information and records from the relevant platforms and service providers to help identify the perpetrator.

Is a Screenshot Alone Sufficient Evidence?

A screenshot is important evidence, but it may not always be considered sufficient on its own.

Preserving the entire message thread, keeping the original files/links, and documenting the full context of the correspondence where possible all add evidentiary value.

Can I Also Seek Moral Damages Alongside a Criminal Complaint?

Yes.

Since insult also constitutes a violation of personality rights, a separate lawsuit for moral damages can be filed under the Turkish Code of Obligations, independent of the criminal complaint.

What's the Difference Between Insult and Criticism?

Harsh criticism made within the scope of free expression, which doesn't rise to the level of a concrete insult, does not, as a rule, constitute a crime.

This distinction is assessed case by case, based on the nature, context, and purpose of the statement used.

Does It Matter If the Insult Targets an Employer or a Public Official?

If the insult is directed at an employer, a supervisor, or a public official, special provisions that require separate assessment may come into play in certain situations; it's important to have such cases reviewed by a lawyer.

What Not to Do

Responding with an insult of your own

Retaliating with an insult can expose you to criminal liability as well.

Deleting the evidence

Deleting messages or posts out of anger can create evidentiary problems later.

Missing the complaint deadline

The 6-month period from when you learn of the act is quite short — delay can result in losing your rights.

Quick Checklist

1. Save a full screenshot and the link to the insulting post or message.

2. Don't delete the post or message.

3. Note down anyone who may have witnessed it.

4. Track the 6-month complaint deadline.

5. Consider filing a complaint with the public prosecutor's office.

6. Consult a lawyer about a moral damages claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a complaint against someone who has blocked me?

Being blocked doesn't remove your right to file a complaint — screenshots and records taken beforehand can be used as evidence.

Is an insult made in a group chat also a crime?

An insult made in a setting visible to multiple people can be considered publicly committed, which can affect the penalty.

Can I withdraw my complaint?

Since insult is a complaint-dependent offense, there is a possibility of withdrawing the complaint under the procedure set out by law; the consequences of doing so should be assessed based on the specific situation.

What if someone living abroad insults me from an account accessible in Turkey?

In such cases, jurisdiction and the applicable procedure require separate assessment based on the specifics of the case — we recommend consulting a lawyer.

Am I required to accept a pre-payment offer?

Pre-payment operates within the procedure set out by law; whether the suspect pursues this route, and the victim's rights throughout the process, are assessed based on the specific case file.

Conclusion

In an era when social media is so deeply woven into daily life, insults made online have become a matter that must be taken seriously under the law.

Both managing the complaint process correctly and preserving evidence in time directly affect the outcome.

If you've been insulted on social media, we recommend consulting a lawyer without delay to fully assess your rights.

Atalya Hukuk Bürosu provides legal counsel and litigation support in Antalya for criminal and compensation claims arising from insult, defamation, and violations of personality rights.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a lawyer for an assessment specific to your situation.

Sources

• Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237, Art. 125
• Code of Criminal Procedure No. 5271 (provisions on complaint procedure and pre-payment)
• Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098 (provisions on violation of personality rights and moral damages)