There is a surge of political pressure on dissidents in Turkey and it's a consequence of the arrest of presidential candidate and Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 19.

By now, the wave of repression has reached the world of art.

Particularly actors are increasingly being targeted by the authorities because of their support for the opposition's calls for a boycott.

The campaign aims at a boycott of companies close to the government, state-affiliated media and even cafe chains with links to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's circle.

The strategy is effective. Several government representatives have already accused the opposition of damaging "national and domestic brands" as well as the Turkish economy.

Many people in Turkey expected clear solidarity from celebrities, particularly on social media. And while some well-known names did meet this expectation, others remained silent. "No actor has to comment on political developments. But as Turkey is currently at a turning point, I think this expectation is understandable," political scientist Berk Esen told DW.

Meanwhile, a number of actors who clearly........

© Deutsche Welle