No one from the government in Ankara for the trial against Medin

Joakim Medin, who works for today’s ETC, is suspected of insulting the Turkish president, spreading terrorist propaganda and participated in an armed terrorist organization. On Wednesday, the trial begins in the part relating to the insult.

In the courtroom, the Swedish state is represented by Ambassador Malena Mård.

– It’s our plan. But we do not know if the judge will decide on closed doors or the like, says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.

Swedish EU parliamentarian Jonas Sjöstedt (V) goes to Turkey to attend, as well as MP Ulrika Westerlund (MP) has announced. But not Maria Malmer Stenergard or any other member of the government.

– We have made very careful balances which should be in place based on what we believe is best for Joakim Medin.

Since the government was told that Joakim Medin was arrested when he landed in Turkey on March 27, to monitor the demonstrations against President Erdogan, Sweden has had contact with the country at various levels, according to Maria Malmer Stenergard.

She has had several conversations with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Swedish Consul General Johanna Strömquist has met Medin four times in prison.

– By Turkish measurements, we have been granted an unusually many visits. Of course, it is important to ensure that Joakim Medin receives the support he needs, says the Foreign Minister.

Has any Swedish representative had direct contact with President Erdogan?

– I can’t go into it.

Maria Malmer Stenergard also does not want to go into what has been said in the various conversations. She points out that the situation is very sensitive and that there is largely confidentiality.

– But we have been very clear in our message that we want Joakim Medin to come home as soon as possible, she says.

How do you look at the prosecution, is it political?

– Based on what we have taken part in the charges, they are aiming for his journalistic work. Of course, we see that very seriously, but I cannot speculate any underlying motives.

What do you expect from the trial?

– Above all, it becomes urgent. Now it is important for Joakim Medin to know as soon as possible what he has to relate to. This also applies to the other suspicions presented by the prosecutor in the second part.

Joakim Medin’s employer has been advised From going to the trial, nor his wife who also works on today’s etc can be in place.

What does it say about freedom of the press in Turkey?

– In several different contexts, both as a country but also with the EU, we have expressed concern about freedom of the press. Of course, this also applies to how they have treated the protesters who acted before Easter.

Do the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not do Swedish journalists from going to Turkey?

– We have no travel remedy to Turkey. If journalists are to go there, they should consult their employers carefully to identify the possible risks that may exist.

But does not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have the best information to advise rather than an employer?

– We have dialogues with media regarding these types of questions and also a consular on -call. But ultimately it is the individual’s responsibility and, just as I emphasized in this case, also the employer’s responsibility.

As a result of the NATO negotiations, Sweden cooperates more with Turkey when it comes to fighting terrorism and serious organized crime. The contacts between the countries in this work have been useful in terms of media’s case, Malmer Stenergard believes.

– We can have direct contact with Turkish representatives in a way that I believe benefits Sweden, she says.

Read more:

Medin’s wife before the trial: « gently hopeful »

Nathan Shachar: Well -planned operation against Medin Approved by Turkish Government

Prime Minister: « Intense contacts » with Turkey about Joakim Medin