The European Parliament has officially condemned the arrest and sentencing of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin by Turkish authorities, calling for his immediate release.
Medin sentenced for social media post involving Erdogan and Pride flag
Joakim Medin was recently sentenced to eleven months in prison for what Turkish courts deemed an “insult to the president,” referring to a social media post where Erdogan is depicted holding a Pride flag in a satirical cartoon. Turkish laws criminalize insults to the president, a legal provision frequently used to silence journalists and critics.
Arrest at Istanbul airport raises diplomatic tensions
Medin was arrested at Istanbul Airport earlier this year, sparking criticism from media freedom advocates and European institutions. His detention adds to a growing list of cases that have drawn scrutiny over Turkey’s crackdown on press freedom and its tense relations with European democratic norms.
EU-Turkey relations under strain
The European Parliament’s resolution signals rising diplomatic tensions between Brussels and Ankara. The EU has consistently voiced concern over freedom of expression and the rule of law in Turkey, especially following the 2016 failed coup attempt and the subsequent purge of journalists, academics, and civil society actors.
The case of Joakim Medin is now seen as a litmus test for Turkey’s commitment to human rights and its standing with European partners. The EU’s strong stance may further complicate negotiations on trade, migration, and Turkey’s long-stalled EU accession talks.
