Istanbul court fined British artist Michael Dickinson for cartooning Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to BBC, the court accused him of discrediting honor and dignity of the official.

Drawn a couple of years ago, the artist called a caricature to Erdogan as a dog with lead of the U.S. flag a “Good boy”. Considering the timing, it becomes obvious that the master is the former U.S. President George W. Bush.

After the court hearings, the judge firstly said that sentences the accused to 14-months imprisonment, but afterwards changed it to fine of £3.000. However, the British artist declared that cannot afford the sum. Then the judge met the defendant halfway putting-off the payment for 5 years on the condition that Dickinson will stop drawing caricatures to incumbent prime minister.

“I don’t know what to expect, but still think that I was innocent. I also cannot promise that will not draw caricatures to politicians,” the artist noted.

S.T.