Snapshot 6:Fri, Feb 20, 2026 7:03:03 PM GMT last edited by Nick

Turkey Arrests Deutsche Welle Journalist for Allegedly 'Insulting' Erdoğan

Is this press freedom suppression or legitimate law enforcement against misleading information?

Published 2 days ago

Turkey Arrests Deutsche Welle Journalist for Allegedly 'Insulting' Erdoğan

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Above: Photo of Alican Uludağ. Image credit: Timur Soykan via X

The Spin

Arresting an investigative journalist for criticizing government corruption highlights the blatant suppression of press freedom in Turkey. The charges stem from reporting on IS terrorists being released due to government measures, which is clearly a matter of vital public interest. This intimidation tactic aims to silence journalists who expose corruption and human rights violations.

Deutsche Welle IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media

The detention follows a legitimate investigation into social media posts that violated laws against insulting the president and spreading misleading information. The journalist's reporting created a false public perception of the court's decisions, despite Turkish authorities confirming the legal basis for the releases. Law enforcement properly executed the arrest warrant.

Bianet

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Metaculus Prediction

There's a 27% chance that snap presidential elections will be held in Turkey before the regularly scheduled May 2028 election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.