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April 29, 2025 – Sweden/Turkey –
Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, known for his reporting on Kurdish issues and conflict zones, was arrested in Turkey on March 27, 2025, upon arrival at Istanbul Airport. He was there to cover nationwide protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Turkish authorities charged Medin with “insulting the president” and “membership in a terrorist organization,” citing his alleged involvement in a 2023 protest in Stockholm where an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was displayed. Medin denies any participation in the protest, stating he was in Germany at the time.
On April 30, a Turkish court convicted Medin of insulting the president, sentencing him to an 11-month suspended prison term. Despite the suspended sentence, he remains detained in Istanbul’s high-security Marmara Prison, awaiting trial on the terrorism-related charges, which could result in up to nine years in prison.
Medin’s arrest and ongoing detention have drawn international criticism. Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, have condemned the charges, viewing them as part of a broader pattern of suppressing journalistic freedom in Turkey. Swedish authorities have also expressed concern, seeking clarification and consular access for Medin.
This case underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey, where laws on defamation and terrorism are frequently used against members of the press. Medin’s situation highlights the risks journalists encounter when reporting on sensitive political issues, particularly those involving Kurdish matters and criticism of government actions.
As Medin awaits his next court hearing, the international community continues to monitor the situation, advocating for his release and the protection of press freedom in Turkey.
Reference –
https://rsf.org/en/who-joakim-medin-swedish-journalist-who-could-face-over-27-years-turkish-prison
