Protest in Hamburg Supports Detained Comedian Deniz Göktaş

In Hamburg, Germany, a protest was held against the detention of comedian Deniz Göktaş, organized by alumni of the Middle East Technical University (METU) and supported by various democratic organizations and political parties. The demonstration, which took place on Mönckebergstraße, a busy shopping street, expressed strong opposition to what participants described as increasing pressure on freedom of expression.

Speakers at the protest emphasized that Göktaş's arrest was not merely an attack on an individual artist's freedom but a direct assault on the broader principles of free speech and thought. Participants carried banners reading "Free Deniz Göktaş" and called for the protection of democratic rights within Turkey. They highlighted that Göktaş's stand-up comedy has evolved beyond a simple stage performance, becoming a symbol of resistance expressed in various cities, parks, and solidarity events across Europe.

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Deniz's story has now grown too big to fit into a stand-up show that he performs on stage. This work is being rebuilt in different cities, parks, solidarity events in Europe, and political open mics.

The speakers underscored the vital role of satire and humor in democratic societies, asserting that the ability to criticize those in power is a fundamental indicator of freedom of expression. They argued that detaining Göktaş before any trial violates the principle of the rule of law and represents anti-democratic steps affecting society as a whole. The protest concluded with demands for guaranteed freedom of expression in Turkey, the functioning of an independent judiciary, and Göktaş's immediate release, stressing the significance of international public awareness.

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It is incompatible with the principle of the rule of law to deprive Deniz Göktaş of his freedom before he has even been tried.