13.07.2026 22:10
CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu made striking remarks regarding his visit to jailed comedian Deniz Göktaş. Following the investigation launched against Göktaş, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "I thought we needed to stand by him," and denied claims that he told Göktaş during the visit, "Leave CHP alone," stating, "No such statement was made. He didn't say anything like that. Even if he did, I would view it with tolerance."
CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, in a special interview broadcast live on tv100, made comprehensive statements for the first time regarding his visit to imprisoned comedian Deniz Göktaş in prison. Stating that he took action to show support after the investigation against Göktaş was launched, Kılıçdaroğlu said, "I thought we needed to stand by this friend." Kılıçdaroğlu also denied the claim that surfaced in the public sphere saying "Release the CHP."
"I THOUGHT WE NEEDED TO STAND BY HIM"
Kılıçdaroğlu stated that he decided to visit the prison after an investigation was launched against Deniz Göktaş due to his show, using the following expressions:
"When I first heard about the incident, I thought we needed to stand by this friend. When an investigation was opened against him, he came to Istanbul. I was also protested there by members of the Workers' Party, that's fine. Even if he does not share my views, I have to protect his rights and justice."
"HE DID NOT SAY 'RELEASE THE CHP'"
During the live broadcast, Kılıçdaroğlu was also asked about the claims that Deniz Göktaş said "Release the CHP" during the prison meeting.
Denying the claims, Kılıçdaroğlu stated, "There was no such sentence. He did not say such a thing. Even if he had, I would welcome it with tolerance."
"BELIEFS SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO HUMOR"
Kılıçdaroğlu noted that there is a delicate balance between freedom of expression and protecting religious values, making the following assessment:
"I do not approve of the exploitation of religious feelings. Individuals' beliefs should not be subject to humor. However, harsh criticisms about politicians can be made. It is the same everywhere in the world."
PROCESS REGARDING GÖKTAŞ
Comedian Deniz Göktaş came to the agenda after an investigation was launched against him due to some expressions in his stand-up show titled "Ölü Deniz" (Dead Sea) published on YouTube. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation based on charges of "publicly denigrating the religious values adopted by a segment of society" and "insulting the President" due to the words in the show.
Göktaş, who was detained at Istanbul Airport while returning to Turkey from abroad, was referred to the courthouse after police procedures. The young comedian was arrested by the criminal judgeship of peace upon the prosecutor's detention request.