Remarks from Deniz Göktaş's lawyer likely to anger Kılıçdaroğlu

Lawyer Mehmet Sinan Aslan, representing comedian Deniz Göktaş, made striking statements regarding his client's detention and trial process. Appearing as a guest on Fatih Altaylı's program, Aslan alleged that Göktaş had stated he did not want to meet with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu at the Çağlayan Courthouse, but was made to meet with him regardless.

Aslan argued that it is not standard practice for a person in custody or under suspicion to be allowed to meet with third parties. Stating that such meetings are restricted to protect the suspect and prevent any pressure or suggestion, Aslan said, "Only lawyers are allowed to meet. You even have to beg to see your own lawyer."

LAWYER'S STATEMENT REGARDING THE MEETING PROCESS

Aslan explained that a person claiming to be an advisor to Kılıçdaroğlu called him and conveyed a request for a meeting. Aslan stated that when he arrived at the courthouse, he was told that Kılıçdaroğlu had been waiting there since 08:00, and that he asked Göktaş at that time whether he wanted to meet.

Aslan said that Göktaş responded to this question by saying, "No, never, I don't want anyone to use me." Lawyer Aslan noted that in a message Göktaş sent him after his arrest, he also recounted being forced to meet with Kılıçdaroğlu.

According to Aslan, Göktaş said the meeting took place before the hearing. Aslan stated that after this information was shared, the CHP denied the claim, and that he re-confirmed the matter by meeting with Göktaş in prison that same night.

In his defense during the trial in which he was released, Göktaş stated that while he was on the prosecutor's floor, he was told he would meet with Kılıçdaroğlu, and that he refused this three times. Göktaş said, "It's not that I dislike him, but I didn't want a politician to use my situation. Despite my refusal, they forced me to meet with Kılıçdaroğlu."

Touching upon the use of reverse handcuffs in his defense, Göktaş remarked, "As if reverse handcuffs weren't enough, they also forced me to meet with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu." Göktaş also alleged that Kılıçdaroğlu said to him, "Why did you return to the country, Deniz? If I had the opportunity, I wouldn't stay here for a minute."