Turkish comedian Deniz Goktas was rearrested on charges of "praising a crime and a criminal" shortly after a court ordered his release in a separate case. The new charges stem from remarks made during a stand-up performance.
The rearrest of Deniz Goktas highlights the ongoing crackdown on critics of President Erdogan's government in Turkey, raising concerns about freedom of expression and artistic liberty within the country.
A Turkish comedian, Deniz Goktas, 32, has been rearrested on new charges after a court had ordered his release in a separate case. Goktas was initially detained in July on accusations of insulting Islam and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A court on Friday ordered his release following an appeal against his July detention. However, before the ruling could be implemented, prosecutors initiated a new investigation into Goktas. He was subsequently rearrested on charges of "praising a crime and a criminal" for remarks made during one of his stand-up performances, preventing his release from prison.
According to reports, Goktas's stand-up performances have garnered millions of views online. The court cited concerns about "flight risk" and "tampering with evidence" as the basis for his rearrest. His lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.