DW Correspondent Remains in Custody Amid Press Freedom Concerns in Turkey

April 09, 2026 – Turkey –

Turkish authorities have kept Deutsche Welle correspondent Alican Uludağ in custody following his arrest in February 2026, a case that has intensified scrutiny over press freedom and judicial practices in the country.

Uludağ, an investigative journalist known for covering corruption and judicial affairs, was detained on February 19 in Ankara after a police raid on his home. Reports indicate that dozens of officers were involved in the arrest, which took place in front of his family, and that his electronic devices were seized during a search of his residence.

The journalist was subsequently transferred to Istanbul, where a court ordered his pre-trial detention on charges that include “insulting the president” and “disseminating misleading information.” Authorities allege that the case stems from social media posts in which Uludağ criticized government actions, including decisions related to the release of suspected militants.

Despite an appeal by his legal team, the court upheld the detention order, citing concerns such as potential flight risk. Uludağ has since been held in a high-security prison in Istanbul, where he remains while legal proceedings continue.

The case has also been complicated by a jurisdictional dispute, as Uludağ resides in Ankara but is being prosecuted in Istanbul. His lawyers have challenged this arrangement, arguing that the case should be handled by prosecutors in the capital.

International reactions have been swift. Deutsche Welle has condemned the arrest as an act of intimidation, while press freedom organizations and European officials have called for Uludağ’s immediate release. Advocacy groups argue that the charges are linked to his journalistic work and reflect broader patterns of legal pressure on reporters in Turkey.

Uludağ’s detention highlights ongoing concerns about the use of criminal laws against journalists, particularly those reporting on politically sensitive topics. Observers note that even before trial, prolonged detention can have a chilling effect on independent reporting.

As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to draw attention to the risks faced by journalists in Turkey and raises questions about the balance between national laws and the protection of press freedom.

Reference –

https://www.dw.com/en/dw-correspondent-alican-uludag-still-in-custody-in-turkey/a-76698562

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/turkey-dw-correspondent-alican-uludag-051300516.html