ISTANBUL — In a move that has reignited international concerns over media suppression, Turkish authorities have detained Alican Uludag, a seasoned investigative journalist for Germany’s state-backed broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). Uludag was apprehended at his home in Ankara late Thursday and immediately transferred to Istanbul for questioning, facing charges of “disseminating misleading information” and “insulting the president.”
The arrest, executed by approximately 30 police officers in front of Uludag’s family, included a thorough search of his residence and the confiscation of IT equipment.
The Charges: Criticism as “Misinformation”
According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the criminal investigation centers on Uludag’s social media activity. Specifically, the allegations appear to stem from a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter) made roughly 18 months ago. In that post, Uludag criticized government measures that allegedly facilitated the release of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants.
Legal representatives for the journalist, including attorney Tora Pekin, argue that the detention is a direct retaliation for Uludag’s investigative work. His reporting has long focused on deep-seated corruption within the Turkish judiciary and the controversial repatriation of jihadist-affiliated citizens.
A “Deliberate Act of Intimidation”
The reaction from Germany has been swift and severe. Barbara Massing, Director General of Deutsche Welle, described the accusations as “baseless” and the detention as a calculated attempt to stifle independent journalism.
“Treating a veteran journalist like a common criminal shows how severely the government is suppressing press freedom,” Massing stated, calling for Uludag’s immediate and unconditional release.
Press freedom watchdogs have echoed these sentiments. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) labeled the move “judicial harassment,” noting that Turkey remains one of the most repressive environments for media professionals globally. According to the Turkish Journalists Syndicate, at least 14 media workers are currently imprisoned in the country.
The 2026 Context: Escalating Press Pressure
As of Friday, February 20, 2026, journalists have gathered outside Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse in a show of solidarity, awaiting Uludag’s appearance before prosecutors. The case is seen as a bellwether for the “Misinformation Law” enacted in late 2022, which critics argue is being weaponized to silence dissent ahead of regional diplomatic shifts.
- Status: Uludag remains in custody in Istanbul.
- Legal Stakes: Under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, “disseminating misleading information” can carry a prison sentence of up to three years, with additional time for “insulting the president.”
- International Friction: The arrest is expected to strain diplomatic ties between Berlin and Ankara, particularly as the EU evaluates Turkey’s human rights compliance for upcoming trade negotiations.
The Professional Toll
Alican Uludag is no stranger to legal pressure; he previously received a 10-month suspended sentence in 2021 for his judicial reporting. This latest escalation signals that for investigative reporters in Turkey, the line between public interest reporting and “criminal” activity continues to thin.
Freedom-Picture-by-Tumisu-pixabay.com
