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Comedian on trial for insulting Erdogan in standup show

  • 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.
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·Borås, Sweden
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Turkish humorist Deniz Goktas, 32 years old, appeared on Monday at an Istanbul court accused of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Known for his political satire, he has been detained since July 3rd and can be sentenced to several years in prison. Geoglyph: in the heart of the Andes, giant drawing made with archaeologists intrigue stones; understand: Hungary has competition for burrowers in which they must open the perfect burial in the s…

·Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Deniz Gökçek, a 32-year-old Turkish comedian, appeared in court in Istanbul after being detained since July on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and inciting hatred.

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Al-Monitor broke the news in Washington, United States on Monday, September 28, 2026.
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