Swedish journalist arrested in Turkey on terrorism charges

Sunday 30 March 2025 - 10:38

Swedish journalist Joakim Medin has been arrested and detained in Istanbul on charges of "terrorism" and "insulting the president" Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkish authorities.

Medin was taken into custody upon his arrival at Istanbul airport on March 27, 2025, and officially detained on March 28. The Turkish government's disinformation center stated that he was wanted for alleged membership in an armed terrorist organization and for insulting the president. Authorities also cited his participation in a demonstration organized by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Stockholm.

The Turkish government clarified that the arrest warrant was unrelated to journalistic activities. This comes amid a crackdown on media, with a BBC reporter recently expelled and several Turkish journalists detained following protests triggered by the March 19 arrest of Istanbul’s mayor.

The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. Medin is accused of attending a pro-PKK/KCK demonstration in Stockholm on January 11, 2023, where a puppet resembling the Turkish president was allegedly mocked.

The Ankara General Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the incident on January 13, 2023, targeting 15 suspects, including Medin. Additionally, the journalist is accused of facilitating communication between the PKK/KCK and the press.