German Federal Parliament SPD Deputy Macit Karaahmetoğlu reacted strongly to the detention and arrest of stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş. Karaahmetoğlu stated that the events raise serious concerns regarding freedom of expression, the rule of law, and democratic values, calling for Göktaş's release.

German Federal Parliament SPD Deputy Macit Karaahmetoğlu made a written statement regarding the detention and arrest of stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş after being targeted in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Karaahmetoğlu described the process as "extremely concerning" in terms of freedom of expression, the rule of law, and democratic rights.

Karaahmetoğlu stated that he is following the developments with great sadness, not only as a German deputy but also as someone who is closely familiar with Turkey's humor culture.


"Unacceptable in terms of Freedom of Expression"

In his statement, Karaahmetoğlu also drew attention to the manner of Deniz Göktaş's detention, stating that the detention and subsequent arrest of a young artist, 32, with hands cuffed behind his back as if he had committed a serious crime, has wounded public conscience.

The SPD deputy emphasized that this process is not merely an individual rights violation, stating that it presents an unacceptable picture in terms of the principles of freedom of expression and the rule of law.


"Humor is an Indispensable Element of Democratic Societies"

Karaahmetoğlu stated that an understanding that cannot tolerate criticism targets not only the opposition and the press but also the world of humor, and made the following assessment:

"Turkey's real problem is not the artists; it is the understanding that cannot tolerate criticism and the unjust system. Humor is an indispensable tool of criticism for the healthy functioning of democratic societies. The arrest of an artist for their words on stage is a fundamental violation of freedom of expression."


"Democracy is Strengthened by Freedom, Not Fear"

Karaahmetoğlu stated that suppressing critical thought and humor harms democracy, and noted that the duty of the judiciary is not to silence those who criticize the government, but to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Karaahmetoğlu reminded that Turkey has an obligation to protect freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights within the scope of its Council of Europe membership and European Union accession process, and called for Deniz Göktaş's immediate release and an end to similar practices.

He concluded his statement with the words, "Turkey should be a country of those who can speak freely, not of those who fear criticism."