The trial against Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, accused of terrorism-related charges, begins in Turkey. Medin, who was previously imprisoned for 51 days, faces allegations based on his journalistic work. Despite having a travel ban to Turkey, Medin hopes to participate via video link, though no formal request has been made. The Swedish government remains silent on the issue, raising concerns about press freedom.
Trial of Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Begins in Turkey
Trial of Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Begins in Turkey
On Thursday, the trial in Turkey against Swedish journalist Joakim Medin commences. This time, he is charged with terrorism-related offenses.
On Thursday, September 25, the second trial in Turkey against journalist Joakim Medin begins. He was imprisoned in Turkey for 51 days last spring.
This time, he is charged with terrorism-related offenses for his journalism. The evidence includes journalistic articles and books he has written.
However, there are questions surrounding the trial, which starts with a hearing on Thursday. The main question is whether Medin will even be able to participate.
"Paradoxically"
Joakim Medin has a travel ban to Turkey. Turkey wants him to participate in the trial via video link and must apply for this through the Swedish Ministry of Justice – the application must be submitted physically.
– There is currently no application for legal assistance regarding Joakim Medin, says Caroline Opsahl, press secretary to Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer.
Medin points out that Sweden normally does not assist in political cases but hopes for an exception.
– Paradoxically, I want it. Usually, I think it's obvious that Sweden says no, Sweden should not participate in mock trials against dissidents or journalists. But now it is in my interest to participate.
Otherwise, Medin risks being wanted by Interpol, which would affect his ability to travel to countries that take Turkish Interpol notices seriously, limiting him as a journalist – and personally.
Silence from Sweden
Joakim Medin wonders if the engagement from the government and authorities remains, four months after his release.
– I am convinced that the government has an opinion on what is happening, but I don't know what, because nothing has been said publicly. So I have no idea if they think this is as serious for press freedom now as they did in the spring. It's quiet now.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press service writes to Expressen that "the case of Joakim Medin concerns his journalistic work, and it is always serious when that work is attacked." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General have been in contact with Medin, they further write.
"We will naturally monitor the case closely, and Sweden's Consulate General in Istanbul intends to be present during the trial."
Articles and Book as Evidence
Last spring, Joakim Medin was sentenced to 11 years in prison for insulting Turkey's President Erdogan. He received a conditional sentence, meaning he does not have to serve time in prison unless he is convicted of other crimes.
Now, the next trial is being taken up where he is accused of membership in a terrorist organization and terrorist propaganda, which can result in nine years in prison.
Among the evidence are articles the journalist wrote for Dagens ETC. Two are about how a new anti-terror law in Sweden affects Kurds and one about Turkish airstrikes against Kurds in Syria.
Medin's book "Kobane" from 2016 is also included in the indictment, where he examined the PKK, labeled as a terrorist organization, and pictures of the journalist with the Kurdish militia YPG in Syria.
Joakim Medin was held for 51 days in a Turkish high-risk prison in the spring of 2025. He had traveled to the country to cover a demonstration.
Medin has consistently denied any wrongdoing.