03.07.2026 16:11
Comedian Deniz Göktaş, who appeared before a judge as part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, was arrested on charges of 'insulting the president' and 'denigrating religious values.' Reacting to the decision, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said, 'You cannot imprison art and artists,' while it was stated that Göktaş told Kılıçdaroğlu, who met with him, 'Let go of the CHP, sir.'
The legal process for comedian Deniz Göktaş, who faced an investigation due to his statements in stand-up shows, concluded with an arrest warrant. Göktaş, detained as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, was arrested on charges of "insulting the president" and "denigrating religious values" by the judicial authorities to which he was referred, and sent to prison.
KILIÇDAROĞLU: A POLITICIAN MUST BE TOLERANT
Following Göktaş's arrest, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who closely followed the judicial process, reacted strongly to the court decision. Emphasizing that artists' freedom of expression is a fundamental right in democracies, Kılıçdaroğlu stated that politicians must tolerate criticism. Kılıçdaroğlu said, "In democracies, artists have the freedom to speak. Politicians must tolerate the criticisms made by artists."
"NO INTENTION TO FLEE, HIS MORALE IS HIGH"
Stating that he had a brief meeting with Deniz Göktaş and that his morale was high, Kılıçdaroğlu argued that the arrest warrant was unlawful:
"I believe he will overcome this difficult situation. We absolutely do not find his arrest correct. He came to Turkey with his backpack. He has no intention to flee. You can criticize him, but you cannot imprison art and the artist. This is not right. It harms democracy and human rights."
MESSAGE TO HIS LAWYERS: "THEY CANNOT STEAL OUR JOY"
Meanwhile, journalist Barış Pehlivan shared details of what happened in the courthouse corridors. According to Pehlivan's account, after the decision was announced, Deniz Göktaş turned to his lawyers and said, "They cannot steal our joy."
GÖKTAŞ TO KILIÇDAROĞLU: LET GO OF CHP, CHAIRMAN
One of the most interesting moments at the courthouse was a brief dialogue between Kılıçdaroğlu and Göktaş. According to information shared by Barış Pehlivan, shortly before his arrest, Deniz Göktaş, meeting with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, told Kılıçdaroğlu, "Let go of CHP, chairman." These words, along with the arrest warrant, became one of the most talked-about topics on social media.