Turkey has detained journalists, opposition activists and a stand-up comedian in the run-up to the summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), reigniting controversy over freedom of expression. Following the detention last year of staff at a magazine that published a cartoon satirizing war, this year a comedian who satirized the president has become a target of investigation, drawing criticism that the government is tightening its control of the press and free speech.
According to Britain's Financial Times (FT) and other outlets on June 5, Turkish authorities recently detained two journalists and dozens of opposition activists on charges including terrorism. Deniz Göktaş, a stand-up comedian well known for his politically satirical performances, was also taken into custody on charges of "insulting the president" and "inciting hatred and hostility."
The crackdown came as authorities strengthened security measures ahead of the NATO summit held in the capital Ankara on June 7-8. The meeting is expected to be attended by leaders of 32 member states, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Reuters reported that authorities banned rallies across Ankara ahead of the summit, controlled major roads and recently detained about 200 citizens on terrorism-related charges. Retired environmental activists were reportedly among them, and the opposition Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) claimed that some 100 people, including party officials, were rounded up during a protest rally.
"It Was Just Political Satire"...International Concern Over Insult Charge
Göktaş's arrest reignited debate over freedom of expression. Video of his roughly 90-minute performance surpassed 11 million views within 10 days of its release on YouTube, drawing significant attention. In the performance, he sharply satirized political figures from both the ruling and opposition camps, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prosecutors reportedly launched an investigation after complaints were filed by citizens.
During the investigation, Göktaş explained that he had no intention of disparaging any particular religion or insulting the president, and that the performance fell within the category of political satire. However, Turkey's penal code stipulates that insulting the president is subject to criminal punishment, and a conviction can carry a prison sentence of up to four years.
The controversy over freedom of expression continued last year as well. The satirical magazine "Leman" published a cartoon on the theme of the war in the Middle East and faced criticism for allegedly depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Authorities detained the cartoonist, editor and other magazine staff and launched an investigation on charges of "inciting hatred and hostility."
Large-scale protests then broke out in front of the magazine's office, and police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrations. The magazine said the cartoon depicted a war victim, not the prophet, and expressed regret for having caused a misunderstanding.
Recurring 'Freedom of Expression' Debate...'Maintaining Order' vs 'Blocking Criticism'
International human rights groups and experts point out that the recent detention of the comedian and the satirical magazine case are both examples of a continuous erosion of freedom of expression since the launch of the Erdogan government. There is considerable criticism that treating political satire and journalistic activity as subject to criminal punishment runs counter to democratic principles.
The Turkish government, on the other hand, maintains that it is simply enforcing the relevant laws to safeguard national security, maintain public order and protect religious values. It explains that this was legitimate law enforcement carried out in the process of strengthening security measures ahead of the NATO summit, but concerns continue in the international community that the government is excessively restricting freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
