Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş has gone on trial in Istanbul over allegations arising from jokes and comments made during a stand-up performance that included references to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other political and social issues.
Göktaş, 32, appeared in court on Monday after being arrested in July and held in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors have charged him with insulting the president, inciting public hatred and praising crime and criminals.
The case stems from his 90-minute stand-up show, titled “Dead Sea,” which was recorded in Istanbul and later published on YouTube. The performance attracted millions of views online and generated controversy over jokes concerning Erdoğan, religion and other political subjects.
Göktaş was arrested on July 3, about a week after releasing the video online. Prosecutors initially investigated him over alleged insults against Erdoğan and religious values before additional allegations were added to the case.
According to the indictment, prosecutors argued that some of Göktaş's remarks about Erdoğan went beyond acceptable criticism and were capable of damaging the president's honour, dignity and reputation. Prosecutors also cited jokes concerning religion and a separate joke involving a criminal group in support of the other charges.
Göktaş has denied that he intended to insult Erdoğan or offend religious believers. He has maintained that his remarks were part of a satirical performance and argued that describing Erdoğan as a “dictator” was a political description rather than an insult.
The comedian's performance also addressed political developments in Turkey and included jokes directed at different sides of the political spectrum. His show referenced jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent political opponent of Erdoğan, as well as other issues involving Turkish politics and society.
The case has attracted supporters and fellow comedians to the courthouse. Reports from the first hearing said protesters gathered outside the Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse while journalists and supporters waited to attend the proceedings. Observers from the Dutch embassy and the United States consulate were also reported to be present.
Göktaş had remained in custody since his arrest, with Turkish media reporting that a conviction on all the charges could result in a lengthy prison sentence. The precise punishment, however, will depend on the court's eventual findings and the charges on which he may be convicted.
The case has also renewed attention on Turkey's laws concerning criticism of the president and public statements about religious values. Insulting the president is a criminal offence under Article 299 of Turkey's Penal Code, while prosecutors have also relied on provisions concerning public insults against religious values in cases involving performers.
Göktaş's case has therefore become a legal dispute over the boundary between political satire and statements that prosecutors consider criminal. The court proceedings will determine whether the allegations against him are established and what consequences, if any, follow.
For now, Göktaş remains a defendant rather than a person convicted of the offences. His defence and the prosecution's evidence will be considered as the case proceeds through the Turkish courts.
Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş goes on trial over alleged insults against President Erdoğan, with other charges linked to his viral June stand-up show.
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