DW Correspondent Arrested in Turkey – Calls in Germany to Summon Turkish Ambassador

 

The arrest of investigative journalist Alican Uludağ, Deutsche Welle’s (DW) correspondent in Turkey, has sparked outrage in Germany. Press organizations warn of “systematic repression” against independent media and growing concerns over press freedom in Turkey.

Uludağ was detained on February 19 in Ankara in front of his family by around 30 police officers. His apartment was searched, electronic devices confiscated, and he was later transferred to Istanbul police headquarters.

The German Journalists’ Association urged Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to summon the Turkish ambassador. Association head Mika Beuster described the arrest as “pure harassment of an independent, critical journalist” and a “direct attack on Germany’s international broadcaster Deutsche Welle.”

DW Director General Barbara Massing said the charges against Uludağ were “baseless,” stressing that he is a well-known investigative journalist – which, in the eyes of the Turkish government, makes him a threat.

Sources – Agencies