Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş is on trial for insulting President Erdoğan in his stand-up show.

Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş is standing trial at an Istanbul court on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and committing other offenses during a stand-up performance held in June. The 32-year-old performer, recognized for his dry wit and political satire, was initially arrested by police on July 3, one week after the performance took place.

The legal proceedings against Göktaş occur amidst a broader trend of government action against individuals perceived as critical of Turkey’s conservative administration and its values. This ongoing crackdown has resulted in the arrests of numerous figures across various sectors, including politicians, journalists, musicians, artists, and LGBTQ+ activists.