Turkey: Comedian Sentenced to 19 Months for Insulting Erdogan, Released on Appeal

Deniz Göktas, a 32-year-old Turkish comedian known for his sharp political satire, was sentenced in Istanbul to just over 19 months in prison for insulting President Erdogan and religious values. He was released after three months of pre-trial detention while awaiting the appeal court's decision, which acquitted him of 'apology for crime' but upheld the insult charges. The case reflects ongoing restrictions on free speech in Turkey.