Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş sentenced to 19 months in prison

Deniz Göktaş stand-up comedy freedom of expression insulting the president Turkey

Turkish stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş has been sentenced to 19 months and 10 days in prison following charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and insulting religious values. The 32-year-old performer was arrested in July after clips from his comedy special, ‘Dead Sea’, circulated widely on YouTube and X. Authorities reportedly processed 185 complaints through a reporting system managed by the President’s office.

Göktaş had been held in Karatepe high-security prison for three months. Following his conviction, he was released pending appeal. His legal proceedings drew attention from the United States consulate and the Dutch embassy. Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered to support the comedian, chanting ‘Deniz Göktaş is not alone’.

Göktaş, who has performed internationally including at the New York Comedy Festival, stated in an interview that he has not regretted his actions. His case has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding pressure on comedians and freedom of expression in Turkey.