Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, a writer for leftist media outlet Dagens ETC, could be facing up to 12 years in a Turkish prison, authorities revealed on Wednesday. Medin is facing charges of insulting the president and being a member of the Kurdish militant group PKK, which is designated as a terrorist group not only by Turkey but also by the European Union, the U.S., the UK, and several other countries.
Four weeks ago, Medin was arrested upon arrival in Istanbul when he had traveled to the country to cover ongoing protests against the government after the jailing of the Turkish opposition’s main presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Turkish authorities have accused Medin of being involved in a 2023 anti-Erdoğan protest in which a doll resembling Erdoğan was hung upside down outside Stockholm City Hall.
Medin’s trial will be held publicly next week, with his lawyer contesting the allegations, arguing that the evidence against him is unconvincing. Attorney Veysel Ok said Medin is being prosecuted for his journalistic activities and that there is no “concrete, clear, or convincing evidence” to support the accusations.
“Joakim Medin’s reporting may be perceived as disturbing or even provocative by Turkish authorities. However, such content is still protected under the right to freedom of expression,” Ok said.
