Coverage dated September 28, 2026 to September 29, 2026
Turkish comedian gets jail term for calling Erdogan ‘dictator’ but released ahead of appeal
Headline from WHEC Rochester
A Turkish court has sentenced a comedian to more than 19 months imprisonment on charges of insulting religious values and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was released Monday pending appeal. Deniz Goktas, 32, had been held in prison since July 3 after clips of his routine were circulated online.
WHEC Rochester's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.
Deniz Goktas is accused of "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "praising" crime and criminals, and "inciting hatred and hostility" with jokes about Islam. Nominally, Turkey is a secular country with free speech.
Deniz Goktas was convicted of two of three charges, including "insulting" the president, but was released pending the appeal process. Nominally, Turkey is a secular country with free speech.
ISTANBUL, Sept 28 (Reuters) - A Turkish court convicted comedian Deniz Goktas of insulting PresidentTayyip Erdogan on Monday but ordered his release after almost three months in custody, broadcaster NTV said.
A Turkish court has sentenced a comedian to more than 19 months imprisonment on charges of insulting religious values and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was released Monday pending appeal. Deniz Goktas, 32, had been held in prison since July 3 after clips of his routine were circulated online.
