Swedish Journalist Arrested on Terrorism Charges in Turkey
Background
A Swedish journalist, Joakim Medin, was arrested on arrival in Turkey and detained on terrorism charges. Medin was in Turkey to cover massive street protests sparked by the detention and jailing of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the main political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Current Situation
According to his employer, Dagens ETC, Medin is being held "isolated" at Siliviri prison, where he is "well fed, he can exercise" but is being kept away from other prisoners. Despite the isolation, he has access to a garden for walks and can still speak to other prisoners through the bars.
Charges
Medin has been accused of being a member of a terrorist organisation and "insulting the president" – charges rejected as "absurd" by his newspaper. His wife, Sofie Axelsson, has also denied the charges, calling them "false".
Investigation
Medin’s lawyer met with him, and according to the lawyer, "there is not much that can be said at this stage about the legal proceedings" against Medin. The lawyer also reported that Medin had no lawyer nor interpreter with him when he was officially questioned, and that the police used Google Translate to communicate with him.
Reactions
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is closely following the case, and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard will discuss the case with her Turkish counterpart on the sidelines of a Nato meeting taking place on Thursday and Friday.
Conclusion
The arrest and detention of Joakim Medin on terrorism charges in Turkey has sparked concerns over the country’s treatment of journalists and the freedom of the press. The case has also raised questions over the accuracy of the charges and the fairness of the investigation.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Joakim Medin?
A: Medin has been accused of being a member of a terrorist organisation and "insulting the president".
Q: What is the current situation of Joakim Medin?
A: Medin is being held "isolated" at Siliviri prison, where he is "well fed, he can exercise" but is being kept away from other prisoners.
Q: Has Medin’s wife, Sofie Axelsson, commented on the charges?
A: Yes, Axelsson has denied the charges, calling them "false".
Q: What is the reaction of the Swedish government to the case?
A: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is closely following the case, and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard will discuss the case with her Turkish counterpart on the sidelines of a Nato meeting.