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Turkey's artists face growing government pressure

Freedom of expression in the arts and entertainment have been under mounting government pressure to toe the AKP's conservative line or face sanctions.

Turkish artist Mehmet Aksoy is seen behind a model of his sculpture during a news conference in Istanbul January 12, 2011. The fate of a giant peace monument symbolising reconciliation between Turks and Armenians has caused a row in Turkey after Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan branded it "monstrous" and called for its demolition. The unfinished monument by renowned Turkish sculptor Aksoy consists of two concrete figures more than 30 metres high who face each other on an hill in the northeastern city of Kars.
Turkish artist Mehmet Aksoy is seen behind a model of his sculpture during a news conference in Istanbul, Jan. 12, 2011. The fate of a giant peace monument symbolizing reconciliation between Turks and Armenians has caused a row in Turkey after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan branded it "monstrous" and called for its demolition. — REUTERS/Murad Sezer

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