The comedian's supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Istanbul on Monday with signs that translate to "Deniz Göktaş not alone." An Istanbul court has convicted popular comedian Deniz Göktaş of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and handed down a sentence of almost 19 months. However, he has been ordered to be released due to time served, although a travel ban has been placed on him, preventing him from leaving Turkey. A final decision in the case will come from the court of appeals.
Background of the Case
Göktaş, who denied the charges, has already spent nearly 90 days in prison. Prosecutors had initially sought a sentence of up to 12 years. His case comes amid a wave of arrests in Turkey that human rights groups say is aimed at crushing dissent. Göktaş's stand-up routine went viral on YouTube, attracting more than 15 million views. Prosecutors had singled out a line in which the comedian referred to the Turkish leader as "a shy dictator," but Göktaş insisted there was "no criminal element" in his comments.
