A support rally was held in Berlin, the capital of Germany, in solidarity with comedian Deniz Göktaş, who was arrested in Turkey. At the protest in the Kreuzberg district, known as "Little Istanbul" and densely populated by the Turkish community, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the right to a fair trial took center stage.
Numerous citizens, as well as prominent figures from German politics, participated in the rally. Members of the German Bundestag
(SPD), Kassem Taher Saleh (Greens), and Ferat Koçak (Left Party) emphasized in their speeches that freedom of expression is a fundamental element of democratic societies.
Participants, holding banners and chanting slogans, drew attention to the need for humor, art, and critical thinking to be freely expressed, and called for the protection of the principle of the rule of law.
Kenan Kolat: "Where Freedom is Tested is the Situation of Those Who Criticize the Most"
Speaking at the rally, the former President of the Turkish Community in Germany and former President of the CHP Berlin Union
stated that the event was organized not just for one person, but for democracy and a common future.
Kolat expressed that he has worked for years for people of different views, beliefs, and backgrounds to live together in peace, and that the fundamental guarantee for this is the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights and freedoms.
Kolat stated that when people in a country hesitate to express their thoughts, criticize, or produce humor, it concerns not only individuals but the entire society, and said:
"Where freedom is truly tested is the situation of those who criticize the most and those who think the most differently."
"Justice Must Apply to Everyone"
In his speech, Kolat emphasized that justice must be applied in accordance with universal legal principles and stated that everyone has the right to a fair trial.
Kolat stated that the rally was organized not to fuel anger, but to strengthen faith in the law, and expressed his wish for a democratic Turkey where art, humor, and thought can freely exist.
"Democracy is the Ability to Tolerate Criticism"
Kolat stated that democracy is not just about elections, and that the ability to tolerate different views and to place the law above political debates are fundamental conditions for democratic societies.
Kolat stated that millions of people of Turkish origin living in Europe know that a strong state is a state that is not afraid of criticism, and concluded his speech with the following call:
"Let justice not be delayed. Let the rule of law be applied without question. Let freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial be guaranteed for everyone. We will continue to stand by hope, not fear; by solidarity, not polarization; by freedom, not oppression. Because we know that justice will be needed by everyone, one day."
The rally concluded with common messages from the participants regarding democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
News and Photos: Mustafa Temel
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