01.07.2026 14:41
BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici, claiming that religious values were insulted during comedian Deniz Göktaş's show, stated, "If you extend your tongue to my sacred, we will tear that tongue out." Destici also criticized Israel's decision regarding the 1915 events, called for the reopening of the Madımak and Başbağlar files, made assessments regarding the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, and called for an interim increase in the minimum wage in July.
Mustafa Destici, Chairman of the Grand Unity Party (BBP), made statements about the current agenda during a press conference held at the party headquarters. In his speech, Destici harshly criticized comedian Deniz Göktaş's show while also evaluating Israel's decision regarding the 1915 events, the Madımak incident, the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, and economic developments.
HARSH REACTION TO DENİZ GÖKTAŞ: "WE WILL RIP OUT THAT TONGUE"
Destici, arguing that the expressions used by comedian Deniz Göktaş in his show titled "Dead Sea" broadcast on YouTube insulted religious values, stated: "Recently, a stand-up comedian emerged, as you know. He suddenly came to the forefront. He was made highly watched on social media all of a sudden. Is this a project? Did it happen spontaneously? Of course, all of this will come to light as a result of the investigation launched. That aspect of the matter is now under the supervision of our prosecutors."
Destici noted that while anyone can perform stand-up, there is a limit, and continued: "Of course, everyone can do stand-up, but there is a measure. You cannot slander the sacred values of this nation. You cannot slander the Holy Quran, which is considered the holy book and the way of life for not only 85 million people in Turkey but over 2 billion people worldwide. You cannot do this regarding the Bible, the Torah, or the teachings of Buddhism either. I want to state that we are strongly opposed to all of this."
Expressing that they are not against political criticism or social satire, Destici said, "Are we saying anything about his political criticism? Are we saying anything about his social satire? We are not, but if you slander my sacred values, we will rip out that tongue. Everyone must know their limit and boundary."
REACTION TO ISRAEL'S DECISION
Destici also reacted to Israel's decision to recognize the 1915 events as the so-called "Armenian genocide," stating that what is happening in Gaza is evident and arguing that the decision is entirely political.
Destici alleged that Israel made such a decision to cover up its own crimes and expressed that they stand behind President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements regarding Gaza.
CELEBRATED CABOTAGE DAY
Celebrating July 1 Maritime and Cabotage Day, Destici said, "May God not deprive us of our crescent-starred red flag, which is a symbol of our independence both from our homeland, our land continent, and our seas."
MADIMAK AND BAŞBAĞLAR MESSAGE
Destici also made statements on the 33rd anniversary of the Madımak incident, arguing that the events were a provocation.
Claiming that not all of those who lost their lives were Alevi, Destici alleged that this was deliberately misrepresented to the public. Arguing that their goal was to provoke Alevi-Sunni conflict, Destici also recalled the Başbağlar massacre that occurred three days later and demanded that the files of both incidents be reopened and fully clarified.
"NO NEGOTIATION WITH TERRORISTS"
Evaluating the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, Destici stated that no legal regulation should be made until the PKK completely lays down its arms and is dissolved with all its elements.
Destici said, "We will not consent to the pardon of any terrorist who has the blood of martyrs, teachers, workers, or babies on their hands."
CALL FOR INTERIM MINIMUM WAGE HIKE
Speaking about the economy, Destici reminded that civil servant and retiree salaries were increased in July and said that the minimum wage should also be raised by the inflation difference.
"The minimum wage is, as the name suggests, the lowest wage. If we aren't going to improve the lowest wage, where will we? It is truly unacceptable to improve the highest wage while not improving the lowest wage," said Destici, noting that especially retirees who live on a single income and rent homes are experiencing great economic hardship.
NEW MEMBERS JOIN BBP
Following the press conference, Destici announced that Hülya Üstüner, Head of Education Policies of the Anahtar Party Women's Branch, and lawyer Abdülkadir Kötüce, Deputy Head of Legal Policies at the Anahtar Party Headquarters, resigned from their parties and joined the Grand Unity Party. Destici pinned party badges on the two individuals.