Turkey Announces Terror Charges Against Swedish Journalist for Allegedly Insulting President
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Synopsis
Turkey has charged Swedish journalist Joakim Medin with terrorism-related offences and insulting President Erdogan after his detainment for covering unrest linked to Mayor Imamoglu's jailing. His employer expressed concern for his safety, as the Turkish authorities have increasingly targeted journalists covering anti-government protests.
Key Takeaways
- Joakim Medin charged with terrorism-related offences
- Accusations include insulting President Erdogan
- Medin was covering protests over Ekrem Imamoglu's jailing
- Turkey's Disinformation Combat Centre involved
- Increased journalist detentions in Turkey
Istanbul, March 30 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Turkey declared that the Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, who was detained upon his arrival to report on the unrest related to the imprisonment of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, has been charged with offences linked to terrorism and for allegedly insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Medin, a reporter for Dagens ETC newspaper, was in Turkey to cover protests following the jailing of Imamoglu. According to the Turkish presidency, he is facing charges of 'membership in an armed terrorist organization' and 'insulting the president.'
The presidency's bulletin from Turkey's Disinformation Combat Centre stated that the journalist is known for his anti-Turkey reporting and his association with the PKK, the banned Kurdish militant organization.
His employer, Dagens ETC, expressed concerns regarding his safety after he was unreachable for two days.
In response to Medin's detention, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized that the situation is being taken 'seriously.'
Previously, Mark Lowen, a correspondent from the BBC, was also detained in Istanbul while covering protests tied to the political crisis stemming from Imamoglu's arrest.
After his detention, Turkey deported the BBC correspondent, branding him 'a threat to public order.'
Numerous journalists covering the anti-government protests have faced detentions by Turkish authorities.
The Turkish Journalists' Union called for media freedom on Saturday, following the detention of journalists and the sanctions imposed on various media outlets reporting on the mass protests concerning opposition politician Imamoglu, as reported by various media sources.
Thousands participated in a significant rally in Istanbul on Saturday, organized by Turkey's primary opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), advocating for democracy and protesting against the arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
The detention of Imamoglu, a key rival of the Turkish President and a potential candidate for the presidency, has triggered the largest street demonstrations in over a decade in the country.
