Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş is arrested in Istanbul after arriving at the airport on Thursday, according to multiple reports. Prosecutors and investigators say the arrest is linked to material from a stand-up performance, with the case tied to content posted online, including a YouTube video. Authorities allege the comedian’s jokes offend religious values and depict religious themes in a way that prosecutors describe as “publicly insulting religious values.”
Several outlets report that the comedian also faces allegations connected to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with claims that the performance includes insults targeting him as well. One report also describes charges involving incitement of public hatred of religion.
Göktaş, a 32-year-old, is said to be subject to multiple probes connected to the show’s alleged content. The outlets describe his detention as part of broader legal action over speech contained in the performance and circulated online, rather than over events at a live venue.
