DEM Party Slams Comedian's Arrest, Cries 'Ban on Laughter'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Turkey's DEM Party condemns the arrest of comedian Deniz Göktaş, calling it an attempt to ban laughter.
- Party co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları stated the government's intolerance for art and science, vowing solidarity with Göktaş.
- The party insists the oppressive system will eventually change and rejects Göktaş's detention.
Turkey's DEM Party has strongly criticized the recent arrest of comedian Deniz Göktaş, denouncing it as an act of repression aimed at stifling freedom of expression. Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları stated that the government has once again demonstrated its intolerance for art, humor, academia, and science.
"This government wants to ban laughter," Hatimoğulları declared, emphasizing her party's firm rejection of Göktaş's detention. She asserted that the arrest signifies the ruling power's desire to suppress joy and creativity within the country. The DEM Party stands in solidarity with Göktaş, expressing confidence that the current oppressive system will eventually be dismantled.
This government wants to ban laughter.
The party's statement highlights a growing concern over what they perceive as increasing authoritarianism and a crackdown on dissent and cultural expression in Turkey. They view Göktaş's arrest not as an isolated incident but as part of a broader pattern of silencing critical voices and artistic endeavors.
We never accept this imprisonment. We are with him and sooner or later this oppressive system will definitely change.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.