After spending three months in investigative custody, Alican Uludağ, the Turkish correspondent for Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW), has been released. This decision came from the criminal court in Ankara on the first day of his trial. His attorney has confirmed that the trial is set to continue on September 18. Uludağ, expressing his resolve shortly after his release, declared, “We will continue the fight until all imprisoned journalists in Turkey are released.”

Accusations Against Uludağ and His Rebuttal

Uludağ faces serious allegations including insulting the president, disseminating misleading information, and repeatedly denigrating Turkey. Under Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code, the correspondent could be sentenced to more than four years in prison if found guilty of insulting the president.

The journalist has criticized the Turkish government for allegedly releasing suspected members of the “Islamic State” terrorist group and has accused them of corruption. Uludağ has vehemently denied all charges against him, stating he was imprisoned to pay the price for his journalistic activities. “My conscience is clear,” he was quoted by news site T24.

DW’s Stance and Call for Action

A YouTuber bought a Bugatti on TEMU expecting luxury… but the unboxing went terribly wrong
Colonizing Mars is no longer a dream: Elon Musk unveils a historic deadline that will change everything

Barbara Massing, the Intendant of DW, expressed relief over Uludağ’s release and his return to his family in Ankara after three months. Describing the journalist’s detention as baseless, Massing finds the continuation of the trial worrisome. She emphasized, “We demand that the proceedings be discontinued immediately – Alican Uludağ was merely performing his duties as a court reporter.”

The situation for journalists in Turkey remains dire, with several still detained. According to Reporters Without Borders, Turkey ranks 163 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index.

With reporting by Isabel Gotovac, ARD Studio Istanbul