‘Liking’ Another Woman’s Photos can be Grounds for Divorce: Turkish Courts

Ankara: In a landmark decision, a higher court in Türkiye has upheld the decision of a court in Kayseri that repeatedly ‘liking’ another woman's photos or posts on social media can be considered ‘trust-undermining behaviour’ and used as evidence in a divorce case.

The ruling came after a husband repeatedly liked posts from other women, which the court determined contributed to the breakdown of the marriage.

Under Turkish law, adultery is still defined as physical sexual relations outside of marriage. However, judges have clarified that consistent online behaviour showing emotional interest in someone else or publicly humiliating the spouse can strengthen a spouse's claims during divorce proceedings.

However, this ruling doesn't mean a single like automatically counts as adultery, but rather it's part of a broader pattern of digital behaviour that damages trust, respect or loyalty in a marriage.