29.06.2026 23:10
Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, who is detained at Edirne F-Type Prison, wrote a letter addressing comedian Deniz Göktaş, against whom an investigation was launched after his show titled 'Dead Sea.' Approaching the possibility of Göktaş's arrest with an ironic tone, Demirtaş said, 'If he goes to prison, I will definitely get out this time, because prisons cannot accommodate two such inmates at the same time. Almost there!'
Selahattin Demirtaş, former co-chair of the HDP who has been held in Edirne F-Type Closed Prison for about 9 years, wrote a letter to comedian Deniz Göktaş, who became a topic of agenda with his stand-up show "Dead Sea" and faces an investigation for allegedly "insulting religious values."
"IF HE GOES TO PRISON, I WILL DEFINITELY GET OUT THIS TIME"
In his letter, shared on his social media account and written in a humorous tone, Demirtaş said: "My lawyers told me, 'There's a young man named Deniz Göktaş who is secretly eyeing your seat by making political satire, just so you know!' I said, 'My current seat?' They said, 'Yes, it seems he might be arrested any day now.' I said, 'Insha'Allah, hopefully.' If he goes to prison, I will definitely get out this time, since prisons cannot handle two such inmates at the same time. Almost there!
Encouraging and provoking such young talents is our duty. Look, dear brother; you are definitely on the right path, keep going. By the way, some people call me 'Selo' occasionally, so can I call you 'Denyo' for short? Actually, that doesn't work, we can't shorten your name. Even if they hang or cut, Deniz remains Deniz. Anyway, I'll just call you Deniz for short.
"I THOUGHT YILMAZ, CEM ETC. WOULD TAKE MY PLACE, BUT THEY DISAPPOINTED ME"
Look, Deniz brother; I appreciate you eyeing my seat, there's even a sweet excitement and plenty of hope. I've been waiting for this day for ten years; I thought Yılmaz, Cem, etc. would take my place, but those fools disappointed me. But you are not like that, my dear brother, you have that light, you will surely succeed. Your effort, struggle, and hard work will definitely yield results, please don't give up.
If they don't show up at your door at the crack of dawn—and the worst is waiting like that—don't stop, go ahead. Go to Taksim, for instance, shout the two solid slogans my lawyers will convey to you, with your left fist raised in the air and your voice tearing through the square, and by evening, the seat will be yours, insha'Allah.
"AS IF CLOTHES ARE ONLY SOLD IN TURKEY ON EARTH"
Here's some big brother advice; your argument 'I didn't flee abroad, how can you flee with two shorts and two t-shirts' wasn't very solid. As if clothes are only sold in Turkey on earth, and the rest of the world still walks around with fig leaves! That won't work, they won't buy it. For example, make up something convincing like 'I swear, when gold prices hit rock bottom, I just bought a quarter yesterday, and when they peak next week, I'll sell it. Would I leave the quarter in Turkey and flee?!'
Still, the credit is yours, Deniz brother; this people love Deniz in any case. And oddly, they love Deniz who doesn't return even more. Whatever happens to me, oh well, nothing to do about it.
"IF HE INSULTED ME IN HIS SHOW TOO, THEN ARREST HIM, OF COURSE"
Finally, I also want to address the authorities; I don't know exactly what this young friend said, but let the young think, speak, and laugh freely without fear, at least. For social development and progress, freedoms are essential, a must, please don't hinder the youth.
P.S.: If he insulted me in his show too, then arrest him, of course, that's different."
Demirtaş's letter is as follows;