Humorous Letter from Demirtaş to Deniz Göktaş: 'Prisons Cannot Handle Two Such Inmates'

Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, who is held in Edirne Prison, wrote a letter to Deniz Göktaş, who has been on the agenda with his political humor posts. In the letter, Demirtaş introduced the subject with a humorous tone, conveying the witty warning from his lawyers that Göktaş was "eyeing his seat." Evaluating the possibility that Göktaş could be arrested, Demirtaş humorously stated that if Göktaş goes to prison, the prisons cannot handle two such inmates at the same time, expressing that he would be the one to leave. This tone acts as a harbinger of the both sincere and sarcastic style that dominates the overall tone of the letter. Demirtaş draws the basic framework of the letter by emphasizing that young talents should be encouraged.

In his letter, Demirtaş said that he thought about addressing Göktaş as "Denyo" but since this abbreviation did not stick, his name would always remain "Deniz." Stating that he has been waiting for someone to take his place for ten years, Demirtaş admitted that the people he thought would replace figures like Yılmaz and Cem disappointed him. However, noting that Göktaş is different and that there is a light in him, he encouraged the young political humorist to continue his struggle. Demirtaş's statements offer an in-depth content that also addresses the cultural and humorous context of political prisons. The letter develops a narrative that blends the prison experience with humor, making heavy political realities more bearable.

One of the noteworthy parts of the letter is the section where Demirtaş gives advice to Göktaş. With a humorous piece of advice, Demirtaş stated that if Göktaş wants to be arrested, he should not wait for the early morning hours but go straight to Taksim and shout solid slogans, which his lawyers would convey, in the middle of the square. Additionally, criticizing the defense Göktaş put forward against the claims of fleeing abroad, asking "does one flee abroad with two shorts and two t-shirts?", Demirtaş stated that this argument was not convincing. Instead, he suggested making up a more convincing excuse based on gold prices, turning the matter into a complete comedy scene. This section of Demirtaş's stands out as a point where political humor is used as a tool for both criticism and creativity.

In the final part of the letter, Demirtaş moved the subject from individual humor to a broader societal issue, freedom of expression, addressing the authorities. Emphasizing the importance of young people being able to think freely, speak, and laugh without fear, Demirtaş stated that freedoms are essential for societal development and progress and must be seen as an indispensable condition. Calling for young people not to be hindered, Demirtaş brings a criticism directed not only at Göktaş but also at the entire political power and the public opinion. Demirtaş's attitude also underlines the serious political message behind the humor. His letter bears the quality of a document that carries an emphasis not only on humor but also on freedom and democracy.

In the closing of the letter, Demirtaş made another humorous touch, noting with a witty remark that he demanded to be arrested if Göktaş had criticized him during his demonstration. This closing stands out as a reflection of the ironic and self-deprecating style maintained from the beginning to the end of the letter. This letter, published on the Serbestiyet news website, quickly received wide coverage on social media and opened a debate on the current role of political humor in Turkey. The legal process initiated against Göktaş due to his political humor posts came back to the agenda with Demirtaş's letter. The general framework of the news points to a multi-layered debate in Turkey where political humor, freedom of expression, and the prison experience intertwine.