Tension in Parliament over Deniz Göktaş: Verbal duel between AKP and CHP deputies

Comedian Deniz Göktaş’s recent show, "Ölü Deniz" (Dead Sea), which has been on the agenda lately, continues to show its impact not only on the public but also in politics. In the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the expressions in Göktaş’s show and CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s remarks regarding this show brought AKP and CHP deputies face to face. The focus of the debate was on the issues of respect for sacred values and freedom of expression.

AKP Kütahya Deputy Mehmet Demir used harsh language in his speech at the podium, criticizing CHP Group Chairman and Chairman Özgür Özel for defending Deniz Göktaş. Demir underlined the sensitivity toward religious values, stating, "Humor, art, or freedom of expression do not give anyone the right to insult the beliefs of billions of people." Demir further added, "Embracing those who cast aspersions on our faith is not respect for art; it is an attack on the spiritual roots of this nation."

Responding to these remarks, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın reacted to the description of Özgür Özel as "CHP Manisa Deputy" while referring to him, and emphasized that the group chairman and elected leader of the Republican People's Party is Özel. Günaydın said, "The group chairman and elected chairman of the Republican People's Party is Özgür Özel. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was not referred to as 'AKP İstanbul Deputy' back in the day; it would be beneficial to learn to be a little respectful." He also drew attention to the freedom of thought and opinion guaranteed by Article 25 of the Constitution, adding, "If you don't understand, at least don't come here and say strange things."

AKP Group Deputy Chairman Muhammet Emin Akbaşoğlu stated that there was no deficiency in the deputy's expressions and argued that the term "Manisa deputy" did not pose a problem. Regarding Göktaş’s show, Akbaşoğlu emphasized the importance of distinguishing between humor and insult, saying, "One must distinguish between humor and insult, and disparagement. No one can insult, disparage, or belittle this nation's faith, customs, traditions, and all its sacred values. Taking the stage with buffoonery does not fall under the scope of freedom of thought. The place for humor and jokes is different. Insulting and disparaging the nation's values is different."

In his response to Akbaşoğlu, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın stated that the AKP is the last party to give lessons on sacred values, noting that these values have been used for political gain for years. Opposing the characterization of the stand-up show as "buffoonery," Günaydın stated, "Let us express that there is no point in debating ideas with a person who defines freedom of expression and stand-up as buffoonery."

News Source: 12punto