Guzel, a cartoonist for the now-defunct pro-Kurdish daily Özgür Gündem, was arrested and charged under Article 159 of the Turkish Penal Code with insulting the state and armed forces. The charge stemmed from four cartoons published in Özgür Gündem between May 1993 and October 1993.
During his trial, the prosecution introduced as evidence his use of the phrase “Khape TC” when referring to the Turkish Republic in each of the cartoons. “Khape TC” has a negative connotation, meaning “weak,” “prostitute,” or ” bastard.” Guzel was convicted on four separate counts of violating Article 159 and sentenced to 40 months in prison.