Married couples in Turkey may need to think twice before tapping the “like” button on social media. In a precedent-setting ruling, the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation upheld a decision finding that a husband’s habit of liking other women’s photos online amounted to conduct that undermined marital trust.
The case began in Kayseri, where spouses H.B. and S.B. each filed for divorce. In her petition, H.B. claimed her husband belittled her, failed to provide financial support and breached the duty of loyalty by interacting with other women’s photos on social media. She sought alimony along with material and moral damages.
Claims and counterclaims
The husband, S.B., also requested a divorce, alleging that his wife insulted his father, displayed excessive jealousy and posted comments he considered offensive. Both partners accused the other of contributing to the breakdown of the marriage.
The Kayseri 5th Family Court ruled that the relationship had irreparably deteriorated, determining that the husband was substantially more at fault. The court granted the divorce and awarded the wife monthly alimony plus material and moral compensation. The husband’s request for damages was rejected due to his greater degree of fault.
Appeal leads to higher penalties
S.B. appealed to the Kayseri Regional Court of Justice, arguing that he was not responsible for the marital collapse and that the compensation amounts were excessive.
The appellate court rejected his claims, pointing to his “trust-breaking conduct” in liking other women’s photos.
It increased the wife’s alimony payments and revised the compensation figures. Both parties then appealed to the Court of Cassation, Turkey’s highest civil court.
Turkey’s high court sets a precedent in social media behavior
The 2nd Civil Chamber unanimously upheld the appellate ruling, officially recognizing that liking photos of other women on social media can be considered a breach of marital trust and a legitimate ground for divorce.
This decision establishes an important legal precedent in Turkey, highlighting how digital behavior, even something as simple as a social media “like”, can carry significant weight in marital disputes and future divorce cases.
