Daijiworld Media Network - Turkey

Istanbul, Mar 30: Turkish authorities have arrested Swedish journalist Joakim Medin upon his arrival in the country to cover protests against the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Medin faces charges of alleged involvement in a terrorist organization and insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to official statements.

Medin, a reporter for Sweden’s Dagens ETC newspaper, was detained on allegations of “membership in an armed terrorist organization” and “insulting the president,” the Turkish presidency confirmed. A government bulletin from Turkey’s "Disinformation Combat Centre" labeled Medin as a journalist known for his anti-Turkish stance and purported links to the banned Kurdish militant group, the PKK.

Concerns over Medin’s detention escalated after his employer reported him missing for two days. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed serious concern over the situation, calling for transparency in the case.

Medin’s arrest follows a similar incident involving BBC correspondent Mark Lowen, who was detained while covering protests in Istanbul. Turkish authorities later deported Lowen, citing him as "a threat to public order."

Journalists covering the ongoing anti-government demonstrations have increasingly come under scrutiny. The Turkish Journalists’ Union has condemned the arrests and restrictions on press freedom, urging authorities to allow independent reporting. Several media outlets have also faced penalties for their coverage of the protests.

Meanwhile, Istanbul witnessed a massive rally on Saturday, organized by Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Thousands gathered to demand democracy and condemn the arrest of Imamoglu, a key political opponent of President Erdogan and a potential contender in upcoming presidential elections.

The detention of Imamoglu has triggered Turkey’s largest public demonstrations in over a decade, further intensifying tensions between the government and the opposition.