Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin has been jailed pending trial on terrorism charges after being detained in Istanbul while covering protests against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest. He was arrested as part of an investigation initiated following a January 2023 protest in Stockholm, where a mannequin resembling President Tayyip Erdogan was displayed.
Authorities identified Medin as one of 15 suspects linked to the organization and promotion of that demonstration. He faces charges of "insulting the president" and "membership in a terrorist organization."
His employer, Dagens ETC, expressed concerns for his safety when he became unreachable for two days. Editor-in-Chief Andreas Gustavsson stated that Medin had done nothing wrong and was being unfairly punished for fulfilling his role as a reporter.
Turkish officials also referenced Medin's past reporting in conflict zones in Syria, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey between 2014 and 2017. He was formally arrested through a video conference with an Ankara court after being questioned in Istanbul.
In response, Sweden has requested clarification of the allegations against Medin from the Turkish ambassador in Stockholm and has urged for him to receive immediate access to consular services, according to Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.