A Turkish court sentenced Swedish journalist Kaj Joakim Medin to 11 months in prison for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The sentence is suspended, meaning Medin will avoid jail time if he does not commit any more offenses.
However, authorities continue to hold Medin for a separate terrorism investigation. The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), which provides legal support, confirmed this.
Why Medin Was Arrested
Medin works for Dagens ETC, a Swedish news outlet. He was arrested in March 2025 after arriving in Istanbul. The defamation charge connects to a 2023 protest in Stockholm. During that protest, a banner with Erdoğan’s image appeared on a government building.
In court, Medin denied involvement in the protest. He explained he was not in Sweden at the time. He also said he had no part in organizing or carrying out the event. Medin stated, “My intention was never to insult President Erdoğan,” according to MLSA.
Terrorism Investigation Still Ongoing
Although the defamation case has ended, Medin remains in custody due to another investigation. Turkish officials are investigating whether Medin supported the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group Turkey labels as a terrorist organization.
Prosecutors are reviewing Medin’s past social media posts and journalistic work. They argue some of his content supports the PKK, particularly material shared during his reporting from Syria, Iraq, and southeastern Turkey from 2014 to 2017.
Medin’s legal team argues that his work was purely journalistic and protected by press freedom laws. The court has not yet set a date for this case.
Concerns About Press Freedom in Turkey
This case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in Turkey. The country often faces criticism for limiting journalistic freedom. Authorities frequently use anti-terrorism laws to silence dissent.
Turkey ranked 165th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. Many journalists in Turkey face charges, often related to terrorism or defamation.
International human rights groups continue to urge Turkey to respect press freedom and ensure fair legal processes. Medin’s case adds to a growing list of foreign journalists detained while working in or reporting on Turkey.
Tensions Between Sweden and Turkey
Medin’s arrest comes at a tense time in Sweden-Turkey relations. The two countries’ ties have been strained, especially during Sweden’s bid to join NATO. Turkey initially opposed Sweden’s NATO membership, accusing Sweden of harboring Kurdish activists.
Turkey later approved Sweden’s NATO membership in 2024, but diplomatic tensions remain. The Medin case may add new strain, particularly if it attracts more attention in Sweden.
What Happens Next
Legal experts and press freedom groups are closely following Medin’s case. The MLSA says it will continue to support him and push for justice.
“Reporting on conflict zones should never be treated as a crime,” said an MLSA spokesperson. “We urge the authorities to drop the charges and release him.”
Medin remains in custody while authorities investigate. If convicted in the terrorism case, he could face a long sentence, even though he insists he was only doing his job as a journalist.