Turkish Author Elif Shafak's Charges Dropped The popular Turkish novelist Elif Shafak has had charges of "insulting Turkish identity" dropped. It was decided that the evidence was lacking and the prosecutor dropped the charges.

She was quoted as saying "The verdict is very pleasing in terms of Turkey’s test of democracy and freedom of expression, but incomplete as long as Article 301 remains as it is, open to manipulation."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters that he was also pleased with the decision. He also said that he had phoned Shafik to congratulate her on the recent birth of her child and to discuss the controversial trial.
I wonder if the British artist Michael Dickinson got a call from the PM too?

Erdogan Welcomes Shafak's Acquittal, Signals Amendment on Article 301
"Erdogan also signaled an amendment on the much debated Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, under which many well-known Turkish writers and authors had been tried or sued. In response to a question on whether the government thought of an amendment on the controversial article, Erdogan pointed out that it would be possible provided that the ruling and opposition parties reach an agreement." Zaman
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