A Turkish court has sentenced Kaj Joakim Medin, a Swedish journalist, to 11 months and 20 days in prison for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA). The court suspended the sentence, but Medin remains behind bars due to a separate terrorism-related case.
Medin, a reporter for Sweden’s Dagens ETC, arrived in Istanbul in March. Authorities arrested him shortly after.
Medin Denies Involvement in Protest
The insult charge relates to a 2023 protest in Stockholm. During the event, demonstrators hung a banner showing Erdoğan’s face on a public building.
Medin told the court he didn’t attend the protest and wasn’t even in Sweden at the time. He also explained that he didn’t select the photo used in the article he wrote about the event.
“I had no intention of insulting President Erdoğan,” Medin said, according to MLSA.
The court still ruled against him, stating that his article and images used met the legal standard for insult. Though they issued a prison sentence, they agreed to suspend it.
Authorities Continue to Hold Medin
Despite the suspended sentence, Medin remains in detention. Prosecutors are now investigating him for allegedly supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — a group banned in Turkey and labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU.
Officials say Medin promoted the PKK on social media. They also claim his reporting from 2014 to 2017 supports their case. During those years, Medin covered stories in Syria, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey — regions where the PKK is active.
So far, no trial date has been announced.
Press Freedom Advocates Speak Out
Several rights groups have called for Medin’s release. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Turkey should drop all charges and let him go home.
“Journalists should be able to do their job without fear of arrest,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also voiced concern. Their 2024 Press Freedom Index ranked Turkey 165th out of 180 countries. RSF says Turkey uses anti-terror laws to silence the media.
Sweden Responds to Detention
The Swedish Foreign Ministry said it is closely following Medin’s case. A spokesperson confirmed that officials in Ankara are providing consular support.
“We are deeply concerned,” the ministry said. “Press freedom is a vital part of democracy, and we expect fair treatment.”
Turkey’s Record With Foreign Journalists
Medin’s case is not the first of its kind. Turkey has a long track record of detaining both local and foreign journalists, especially those reporting on Kurdish topics or criticizing the government.
In 2020, German journalist Meşale Tolu faced similar charges. Though eventually released, she spent months behind bars and years fighting the charges.
In 2023, Turkish police detained French journalist Mathias Depardon for photographing a military zone. He was released only after diplomatic talks.
Human rights groups argue that Turkey’s broad anti-terror laws give it too much power to silence the press.
More Pressure Expected on Turkey
The case may affect Turkey’s image abroad, especially with European countries and global rights groups watching closely. Sweden, which recently joined NATO, has already faced tensions with Turkey over past protests and political differences.
Analysts believe that keeping a Swedish journalist in custody could further complicate diplomatic relations.
New York Mirror Will Continue Coverage
Kaj Joakim Medin’s case shows the risks journalists face in Turkey. While the court suspended his insult sentence, his freedom remains in question. The terrorism charges could lead to a long trial or more jail time. Press groups and diplomats continue to demand his release.