Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu Speaks Out on Free Speech While Supporting Deniz Göktaş at Istanbul Courthouse
The support statements from the art world continue to pour in following the detention of comedian Deniz Göktaş. Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, a board member of the Actors' Union, also showed solidarity with his colleague by participating in a press conference held in front of Çağlayan Courthouse. During his speech, Üzümoğlu emphasized that freedom of speech and critical humor should not be criminalized.
Deniz Göktaş, a stand-up comedian who has been turning heads in recent times, has made headlines due to an investigation launched against him. This investigation was initiated because of his show titled "Dead Sea", which he performed in Harbiye and later published on YouTube.
Göktaş, who has been subjected to an investigation on charges of 'insulting the President' and 'openly denigrating the religious values adopted by a section of the society', citing some political satires and statements about religious values in the show, was detained at Istanbul Airport upon returning from his vacation abroad.
Following his procedures at the police station, the comedian was referred to Çağlayan Courthouse. While his interrogation by the prosecutor was ongoing, a large number of his colleagues, legal organizations, and civil society institutions gathered outside the courthouse to express their support.
During the joint press conference held in front of the courthouse, Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, a board member of the Actors' Union, initiated his speech by emphasizing that freedom of expression is a fundamental value of democratic societies.
Üzümoğlu emphasized that critical thinking and humor should not be punished, conveying the following message:
'We all share the common desire to live in a country where critical speech is not considered a crime. We stand against any interference with freedom of expression.'
The actor argued that art and humor are inherently critical fields, and artists expressing their thoughts should not be subjected to judicial pressure.
In the continuation of his speech, Üzümoğlu stated that they want Deniz Göktaş to regain his freedom as soon as possible, and that the process should be conducted in accordance with the law.
Üzümoğlu, who shared the solidarity message of the Actors' Union with the public, used the following expressions:
'We demand that our colleague Deniz Göktaş be released as soon as possible. We will continue to stand with solidarity, law, and freedom. Deniz Göktaş is not alone.'
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