Release Deniz Göktaş and All Voices of Thought!

Freedom of thought and expression, along with art and satire, are the indispensable foundations of a democratic society.

Satire is a powerful form of expression that makes us think while making us laugh and keeps a critical perspective alive. Throughout history, artists and satirists have questioned social contradictions and those in power, contributing to the advancement of democracy.

Criticism, satire and art must never be punished. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Türkiye is also a party, protects not only popular and comfortable expressions but also those that are disturbing, challenging and critical. The presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial and the principle of proportionality must be upheld under all circumstances.

We call for the immediate release of Deniz Göktaş, who was detained on charges of “insulting the President” and “publicly degrading religious values” based on certain satirical remarks made during his latest performance.

Alongside Deniz Göktaş, we call on the judiciary to act and ensure the release of all artists, writers and thinkers — including Merdan Yanardağ — who have been deprived of their freedom because of their ideas and expressions.

Founders of platFORUM
Fatma Yılmaz, Zeynep Baş, İsmet Yılmaz, Serpil Aygün, Menekşe Aslan, Meryem Arıkan and Erdinç Utku