Imam Yusuf Kılıç faces investigation over solidarity with Deniz Göktaş

The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) has launched an investigation into imam Yusuf Kılıç. The probe follows Kılıç’s expression of solidarity with the family of detained comedian Deniz Göktaş, whom he reportedly addressed with the message, “As an imam, I am with you, my brother Deniz.”

Kılıç has previously faced disciplinary action and was transferred from his post after reportedly refusing a request to transport mosque congregants to a political rally for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2023.

In response to the new investigation, Labor Party (EMEP) Members of Parliament Sevda Karaca and İskender Bayhan submitted a joint parliamentary inquiry. They argued that expressing solidarity and defending human rights should not be treated as a criminal or disciplinary offense. The MPs characterized the investigation as a form of political pressure and intimidation against public servants, questioning the legal basis for penalizing a religious official for personal statements regarding justice and human rights.