A Turkish comedian, Deniz Goktas, has gone on trial for allegedly insulting President Recep Erdogan and other offences during a stand-up performance. Goktas, 32, was arrested on July 3, a week after a YouTube video of his "Dead Sea" show went viral with nine million views. He faces charges of insulting Erdogan, incitement to public hatred, and praising crime and criminals. If convicted, he could face around a decade in prison.
Goktas took to the stand to defend himself, using his signature dry wit and political satire to make witty observations that frequently had the courtroom in stitches. He denied the charges against him, saying that none of Turkey's most famous comedians or political satirists had been prosecuted in the past. He argued that the laws protecting freedom of expression had not changed, but the leadership had become increasingly fragile and could no longer tolerate jokes.
The comedian said humor was a centuries-old part of Turkish culture, but there could be no place for censorship, bans, or detention when it came to artists on stage. He rejected the charges against him and asked to be acquitted and released. Goktas also mentioned that he had quit smoking during his detention and joked that he would add three months to the end of his life.
Goktas's arrest is part of a widening crackdown on anyone seen as critical of Turkey's Islamo-conservative government or its values. Hundreds of people, including politicians, artists, musicians, journalists, and LGBTQ activists, have been affected. The comedian began his career at TuzBiber comedy club in Istanbul in 2019 and has performed at venues across Europe and the United States.
Several comedians from Istanbul's TuzBiber comedy club and observers from the Dutch and US embassies were present in the courtroom. Outside, around 50 protesters gathered under the watch of several dozen police officers, chanting "Denis Goktas is not alone!" A retiree, Nesrin Demirkan, expressed outrage that Goktas was being held in a well-type cell, saying he was being punished for doing his job.
Goktas is being held at Karatepe high-security prison, about 120 kilometers west of Istanbul. His defense was met with loud applause as he left the stand. The trial continues, with the prosecution yet to present its case. Goktas's supporters and human rights groups have expressed concern about the case, citing freedom of expression and the role of satire in Turkish culture.
The case has sparked international attention, with observers from the Dutch and US embassies present in the courtroom. Goktas's supporters argue that his arrest and trial are part of a broader crackdown on free speech and dissent in Turkey. The comedian's fate remains uncertain as the trial continues.
Key points
- Deniz Goktas faces up to a decade in prison if convicted of insulting President Erdogan and other charges.
- Goktas's arrest is part of a widening crackdown on critics of Turkey's Islamo-conservative government.
- The comedian used satire to defend himself in court, making witty observations that had the courtroom in stitches.
