A Turkish comedian faces up to nine years in prison for “insulting” Erdogan
Cristina Petrache
International
Credit: Yasin AKGUL / AFP / Profimedia
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A court in Istanbul has approved the indictment of comedian Deniz Göktaș, accused of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a show published on his YouTube channel. Göktaș, who has been held in pretrial detention since July 3, faces a prison sentence of up to nine years and eight months.
Prosecutors claim that, in the program broadcast on June 24, the comedian went beyond the limits of criticism, harmed the president’s honor and dignity, and incited the public to hatred. During the show, Göktaș said he had never liked Erdogan and joked about religion, politics, social issues, and Turkish women who wear swimsuits complying with religious norms.
The 32-year-old comedian denies all the charges. The court nevertheless decided to keep him in detention and set the first hearing for September 28.
His YouTube channel has approximately 14 million views, while his shows have drawn vehement criticism from pro-government figures. Human rights organizations say the trial represents a serious violation of freedom of expression. The case is part of a broader context of investigations and convictions for insulting the president in Turkey’s.
The case is part of a broader context of investigations and convictions for insulting the president in Turkey’s.
Prosecutors claim that, in the program broadcast on June 24, the comedian went beyond the limits of criticism, harmed the president’s honor and dignity, and incited the public to hatred. During the show, Göktaș said he had never liked Erdogan and joked about religion, politics, social issues, and Turkish women who wear swimsuits complying with religious norms.
The 32-year-old comedian denies all the charges. The court nevertheless decided to keep him in detention and set the first hearing for September 28.
His YouTube channel has approximately 14 million views, while his shows have drawn vehement criticism from pro-government figures. Human rights organizations say the trial represents a serious violation of freedom of expression. The case is part of a broader context of investigations and convictions for insulting the president in Turkey’s.
The case is part of a broader context of investigations and convictions for insulting the president in Turkey’s.
Sources
Un comediant din Turcia riscă nouă ani de închisoare pentru „insulte” la adresa lui Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Un comediant din Turcia a fost dat în judecată și încarcerat, pentru "insulte" aduse președintelui Erdogan
Comediantul Deniz Goktaş riscă nouă ani de închisoare pentru 'insulte' aduse lui Erdogan
Comediantul turc Deniz Goktaș riscă ani grei de închisoare pentru "insulte" la adresa lui Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turcia: Comediantul Deniz Goktaș riscă nouă ani de închisoare pentru 'insulte' aduse lui Erdogan
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