Support for Deniz Göktaş in Berlin: Hundreds Gather

To protest the arrest of comedian Deniz Göktaş, a solidarity demonstration was held in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Hundreds participated in the action held in Oranienplatz in the Kreuzberg district, sending a message of support for freedom of expression.

The demonstration, held in Kreuzberg, a district densely populated by immigrants of Turkish origin, was organized after Göktaş was detained and arrested at Istanbul Airport due to his stand-up show titled "Ölü Deniz" (Dead Sea), on charges of "insulting religious values" and "insulting the President."

Among the leading figures of the solidarity action were stand-up comedian Şafak Salda and rap artist Ezhel, who has been living in Berlin for many years. Speaking at the demonstration, Ezhel addressed the crowd by reciting lines from famous artist Cem Karaca: "I fell into prison cells / There are many who give advice / If I gathered all that advice / It would make a road from here to the village."

"They Did Not Leave Deniz Alone"

Speaking at the heavily attended action, Ezhel emphasized the importance of solidarity and used the following expressions:

"Today was a wonderful day in Berlin. Many of our friends who believe in freedom did not leave Deniz alone."

Stating that they expect broader participation in the next protest, Ezhel thanked those who showed support, saying, "It was wonderful for us to see the determination to fight on people's faces."

At the demonstration in Berlin, participants, while drawing attention to the necessity of freedom of expression and the free practice of art, called for the release of Deniz Göktaş.

News and Photos: Mustafa Temel