Deutsche Welle correspondent Alikan Uludag was arrested again in Türkiye on Tuesday, just two months after his conditional release.
Uludag announced on social media, “I am being detained,” and Deutsche Welle confirmed his arrest.
“The re-arrest of our colleague Alikan Uludag is deeply troubling. The work of journalism should not be criminalized,” said Barbara Massing, director general of DW.
According to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, he was detained under investigation for a post on X that criticized the Turkish judiciary.
Expanded through social media posts
Uludag was first detained in February, accused of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spreading disinformation and insulting state institutions or the Turkish state in 22 social media posts.
“Insulting” or insulting Erdogan is a criminal offense in Turkey.
He remained in pre-trial detention until May 21, when a court granted him conditional release.
Uludag denied all allegations, saying that he was reporting impartially.
uludag gets support
In Türkiye’s restrictive media landscape, Uludağ has continued to focus on controversial issues such as the judicial system, human rights violations, and corruption.
“He has independently researched and reported on the judiciary, politics and society in Türkiye in the public interest,” Masing said.
During his previous detention, several national and international organizations, as well as political representatives, had called for his release.
After his initial release, Reporters Without Borders said, “He should not have spent a single day in detention because of his reporting or his commentary.”
Deutsche Welle said it was in contact with its lawyers following the latest developments.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez