Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş on trial for insulting President Erdoğan in standup show

AI Summary

Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş is on trial over jokes in a standup performance that allegedly insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His case is described as part of a broader crackdown on critics of Turkey’s conservative government, including artists, journalists, politicians, and LGBTQ+ activists.

Göktaş's arrest was the latest in a widening crackdown on anyone seen as critical of Turkey's conservative government or its values, which has netted hundreds of politicians, artists, musicians, journalists and LGBTQ+ activists.