Comedian on Trial for Insulting Erdogan in Standup Show
Prosecutors added a charge of praising crime and criminals, and Turkish media said he could face up to a decade in prison if convicted.
- Today, 32-year-old comedian Deniz Goktas appeared in court at the Caglayan courthouse for the first time since his arrest on July 3, facing charges of insulting Erdogan and incitement to public hatred.
- Goktas's arrest followed his YouTube show being watched nearly nine million times; prosecutors later added charges claiming he praised crime and criminals for a joke about the Daltons, an organized crime group.
- After 88 days in Karatepe high-security prison, Goktas maintained his dry wit, posting late Sunday that he was "definitely not missing the handcuffs" on the eve of his first court appearance.
- Chanting "Deniz Goktas is not alone!", around 50 protesters gathered outside the Caglayan courthouse in pouring rain as observers from the Dutch embassy monitored the proceedings inside.
- If convicted on all charges, Goktas could face a decade or more behind bars; his arrest marks a widening crackdown on those perceived as critical of Turkey's Islamo-conservative government.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş on trial for insulting Erdoğan in show
Göktaş's arrest was the latest in a widening crackdown on anyone seen as critical of Turkey's conservative government or its values, which has netted hundreds of politicians, artists, musicians, journalists and LGBTQ+ activists.
Comedian on trial for insulting Erdogan in standup show
Deniz Goktas, a 32-year-old comedian known for his dry wit and political satire, was arrested by police on July 3, a week after releasing a YouTube video of his show that was watched nearly nine million times. Held in pre-trial detention ever since, Goktas is facing charges of insulting Erdogan and incitement to public hatred, with prosecutors later adding an extra charge of praising crime and criminals, according to the indictment. Goktas's ar…
Comedian Deniz Göktaş, who is on his 88th day in detention, appeared before a judge for the first time an hour and a half late. Deniz Göktaş began his defense by saying, "I've been in a pit-type prison for 88 days for four sentences I uttered."
Comedian İmran Deniz Göktaş will appear before a judge at Çağlayan Courthouse today in a case opened against him for statements made during his show "Dead Sea." Prior to the hearing, a statement was made in front of the courthouse demanding the release of Göktaş, who has been detained for 88 days, and the dropping of the charges against him.
Comedian İmran Deniz Göktaş will appear before a judge at Çağlayan Courthouse today in a case opened against him for "insulting the President," "inciting hatred and hostility among the public," and "praising crime and criminals" due to statements he made in his show "Dead Sea." Prior to the hearing, the Istanbul Labor, Peace and Democracy Forces held a press conference in front of the courthouse. During the press conference, slogans such as "Den…
The trial of comedian Deniz Göktaş, who has been detained for three months due to jokes from his stand-up show 'Dead Sea', began today. The comedian faces a total of up to nine years and eight months in prison on three charges.
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