Deniz Goktas released after conviction for insulting Turkish president

Turkish comedian Deniz Goktas has been released from prison pending appeal after being convicted of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Goktas had spent 88 days in custody following his arrest on July 3.

The charges stemmed from his stand-up performance, titled ‘Dead Sea’, in which he used the term ‘dictator’ to describe the president. The court convicted him of insulting the president and inciting hatred or insulting religious values. Goktas maintained throughout his trial that his remarks were political satire rather than personal insults, arguing that ‘the president should be open to humorous criticism’ and that the laws regarding freedom of expression have not changed, but rather political leaders have become more sensitive to criticism.

His arrest and subsequent trial were part of a broader crackdown in Turkey targeting individuals critical of the conservative government, including journalists, artists, and activists. Following his conviction, which included a prison sentence of approximately one year and seven months, a judge ordered his interim release while the legal process continues through the appeals stage.