German Journalists' Union Demands Turkish Envoy Summons Following Arrest of DW Reporter

BERLIN, GERMANY – A prominent German journalists' union has called for the summoning of Turkey's ambassador to Germany, escalating a diplomatic row sparked by the arrest and pre-trial detention of a Deutsche Welle (DW) correspondent in Turkey. The move underscores mounting concerns over press freedom in Turkey and its impact on international relations.

The German Journalists' Association (DJV) formally requested Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to summon the Turkish envoy after an Istanbul court ordered the pre-trial detention of veteran DW correspondent Alican Uludağ. Uludağ was arrested following a police raid on his Ankara home late last Thursday, an operation that reportedly involved approximately 30 officers and the confiscation of his IT equipment, all in the presence of his family. He was subsequently transferred to Istanbul for legal proceedings.

Arrest and Accusations Stir International Outcry

Uludağ faces charges of "insulting the president" and "publicly disseminating misleading information" in connection with social media posts he made approximately 18 months ago. These posts reportedly criticized the Turkish government's handling of a case that led to the release of suspected Islamic State militants. Deutsche Welle's Director General, Barbara Massing, has vehemently dismissed these accusations as "baseless," asserting that Uludağ's extensive work on human rights violations, corruption cases, and court proceedings made him a "dangerous" figure in the eyes of the government. Massing characterized the arrest as a "deliberate act of intimidation" against critical journalism.

The German government has also voiced strong objections to the detention. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer publicly called for Uludağ's immediate release, emphasizing that "journalistic work is not a criminal offense." Government spokesman Sebastian Hille expressed deep concern over the incident, reiterating the fundamental importance of journalists being able to perform their duties "freely and without fear of repression." International organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders, have joined the chorus of condemnation, urging Turkish authorities to release Uludağ without delay and to cease the intimidation of news media. CPJ's Turkey representative, Özgür Öğret, stated that arresting a journalist for critical comments sends a clear message meant to intimidate the entire news media.

A Pattern of Pressure on Press Freedom in Turkey

The arrest of Alican Uludağ is not an isolated incident but rather another in a series of actions that have drawn international criticism regarding the state of press freedom in Turkey. Rights groups and European institutions have long expressed concerns over criminal cases against journalists and the application of laws that criminalize "insulting the president" or "disseminating misleading information." These legal frameworks are frequently employed against critical voices, blurring the lines between legitimate journalistic inquiry and criminal liability.

In recent years, several journalists, both local and international, have faced detention or legal challenges in Turkey. In 2017, Germany previously summoned the Turkish ambassador following the arrest of Die Welt journalist Deniz Yucel, who held both Turkish and German citizenship. More recently, in May 2023, Turkey itself summoned the German ambassador to protest police searches of pro-government journalists' apartments in Germany, accusing Berlin of "double standards" regarding press freedom. Such incidents highlight the reciprocal tensions and deep-seated disagreements between the two nations over media independence and freedom of expression.

Broader Implications for German-Turkish Relations

The DJV's call to summon the Turkish ambassador signifies a potential diplomatic escalation. DJV Federal Chairman Frank Überall has previously cautioned journalists against traveling to Turkey, citing a heightened risk for those who have been critical of the Turkish government, its president, or the ruling AKP party. He underscored that if even the parliamentary immunity of a German Member of Parliament failed to prevent an arrest, the danger for journalists is significantly greater. This recent detention of a high-profile journalist for a German public broadcaster is expected to further strain relations between Ankara and Berlin.

Observers suggest that the timing of these actions, particularly ahead of potential elections or periods of political sensitivity, often correlates with increased pressure on media. Uludağ himself has described the proceedings as politically motivated and part of a "purge against critical voices," maintaining that his social media posts are protected under freedom of expression. His prior recognition with the Raif Badawi Prize for Courageous Journalism in Germany in 2021 further highlights his reputation for independent reporting in a challenging environment.

Conclusion: A Test of Journalistic Principles

The arrest of Alican Uludağ stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Turkey and its far-reaching diplomatic consequences. The unified condemnation from German governmental bodies and journalistic unions, coupled with international human rights organizations, signals a firm stance against what they perceive as an attempt to stifle independent reporting. As the diplomatic tensions simmer, the case of Alican Uludağ will likely remain a crucial benchmark for the state of media freedom in Turkey and a test of the international community's commitment to protecting journalists worldwide. The outcome of this case could significantly influence future interactions between Germany and Turkey, especially concerning human rights and democratic values.