28.07.2026 07:10
The objection filed by comedian Deniz Göktaş's lawyers against his detention was rejected by the Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. The court ruled that the decision was in accordance with procedure and law, and ordered the continuation of Göktaş's detention.
The objection made by comedian Deniz Göktaş's lawyers regarding his arrest was rejected. Evaluating the application, the Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance decided not to accept the objection on the grounds that 'the nature and character of the crime are appropriate, and the decision is in accordance with procedure and law.'
HIS LAWYERS REQUESTED HIS RELEASE
Deniz Göktaş, who has been detained for approximately 24 days at Tekirdağ Karatepe Prison, had his lawyers file an objection to the arrest decision through the Istanbul 4th Criminal Judgeship of Peace, requesting his release.
In the objection petition, it was stated that as soon as Göktaş learned of the investigation, he voluntarily cut short his vacation abroad and returned to Turkey, arguing that no concrete reason for arrest had been established and there was no suspicion of flight.
The lawyers further argued that the justification in the arrest decision of 'negative reactions and emotions created by the act in society' has no basis in the Criminal Procedure Code, that the decision lacks legal grounds, and was made under the influence of reactions on social media.
ALLEGATION: 'THE NATURE OF THE CRIME WAS CHANGED'
In the petition, it was alleged that the investigation was initially conducted under Article 216/3 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), but later, to facilitate the arrest decision, the nature of the crime was changed to the offense of 'openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility,' as regulated under TCK 216/1.
The lawyers argued that, according to the precedents of the Court of Cassation, the term 'dictator' alone does not constitute the crime of 'insulting the President'; the expressions used in the show should be evaluated within the scope of dark humor and freedom of expression. It was also stated in the petition that the show, performed 198 times over approximately three years, did not pose a clear and imminent danger to public order.
In the defense, criticism was also made regarding the use of reverse handcuffs during Göktaş's detention and the collection of hair and nail samples unrelated to the investigation, and it was requested that the arrest decision be lifted or that he be released under judicial control.
COURT'S REJECTION DECISION
The Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance evaluated the lawyers' objection petition and rejected the application.
The court's decision stated: 'Considering that the decision is in accordance with procedure and law, that there is no reason requiring a change in the decision, and the current state of evidence, the objection is rejected.' Thus, it was decided that Deniz Göktaş's detention would continue.
WHAT HAPPENED?
An investigation was launched against comedian Deniz Göktaş on charges of 'insulting the President' regarding expressions he used in one of his shows. Göktaş was taken into custody and subsequently arrested by the duty criminal judgeship of peace to which he was referred.