Turkish stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş was detained at Istanbul’s main airport after a video of his routine drew widespread attention online. Prosecutors later moved forward with formal legal action tied to parts of the performance involving references to Erdoğan and religion.

During questioning, Göktaş argued his comedy was satirical and said he did not intend to degrade religious values or insult the president. Prosecutors and officials cited complaints about the content, and reporting described how the court agreed to pre-trial detention on portions of the show that allegedly crossed legal boundaries.

On July 3, a court ordered Göktaş jailed pending trial. The case was framed within Turkey’s broader crackdown on dissent and free expression, with supporters gathering outside the courthouse.