DW correspondent arrested in Turkey
Deutsche Welle
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
DW correspondent Alican Uludag has been arrested in Ankara, Turkey, amid allegations of "disseminating misleading information" and insulting state institutions. The arrest comes after Uludag, a seasoned investigative journalist known for reporting on corruption and human rights violations, faced 30 police officers during a raid at his home. His apartment was searched, and IT equipment was confiscated as part of the investigation. Uludag is accused based on an X-post from over a year ago where he criticized government actions that may have led to the release of "Islamic State" terrorists, as well as allegations of corruption.
Uludag’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from DW Director General Barbara Massing, who called the accusations baseless and described him as a courageous reporter whose work threatens those in power. Massing highlighted that Uludag’s connections and sources make him a target for the Turkish government, which she claims is using this case to intimidate journalists and suppress press freedom. The situation has raised concerns about Turkey's deteriorating media landscape, where numerous journalists remain imprisoned and independent reporting faces severe constraints.
Turkey ranks 159th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' press freedom index. Much of the country's media is under direct or indirect government control, making Uludag’s case a significant marker of the challenges faced by independent journalists. His arrest underscores the broader struggle for free expression in Turkey and comes just months after he was awarded the Raif Badawi Prize for Courageous Journalism in Germany, which honored his work under mounting pressure.
The case highlights the risks faced by journalists in authoritarian regimes and raises questions about the rule of law and press freedom. Uludag’s situation is not isolated; it reflects a pattern of targeting critics who dare to expose government wrongdoing. As international attention focuses on Turkey's human rights record, Uludag’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026