The Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) opened an investigation into Yusuf Kılıç, who sent a message to the family of arrested comedian Deniz Göktaş saying, “As an imam, I stand by you, Brother Deniz.” Kılıç gave his defense in Ankara on August 27, and Göktaş's first hearing is expected on September 28.
Kılıç gave a statement at the Diyanet's headquarters in Ankara on 27 August. He had previously received disciplinary punishments for not bringing his congregation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's İzmir rally in 2023. Göktaş's first hearing will be held on 28 September.
