The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) has filed an appeal on behalf of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, who was sentenced to 11 months and 20 days in prison in Turkey for allegedly “insulting the president.” The appeal, submitted to the Ankara Regional Court of Justice, argues that the ruling violates both press freedom and freedom of expression, placing particular emphasis on the statement: “The rainbow flag is not an insult.”
The sentence was handed down by Ankara’s 79th Criminal Court of First Instance on April 30, 2025, and the announcement of the verdict was deferred—a legal mechanism in Turkey that postpones enforcement if the individual avoids reoffending. In two separate appeals, MLSA detailed alleged procedural violations and substantive flaws in the ruling.
Sentence based on editorial photo from Swedish protest
The conviction was based solely on a photograph published in a news article written by Medin about a protest in Sweden. The image showed a mock figure resembling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan holding a rainbow flag. The court used this image as the sole basis for the prison sentence.
However, MLSA stressed in the appeal that Medin neither participated in the protest nor selected the image for publication. He authored the article, but the image and headline were chosen by the publication’s editorial team. Such editorial delegation is standard practice in international journalism, the appeal noted.
“Rainbow flag is not an insult”
One of the most striking sections of the appeal directly challenges the court’s interpretation of the rainbow flag. In its written ruling, the lower court argued that the use of a rainbow flag in connection with a likeness of Erdoğan—who has expressed opposition to LGBTQ+ rights—was insulting.
MLSA strongly rejected that assessment, stating: “The rainbow flag is not an insult.” The appeal explained that the flag is a symbol not only of LGBTQ+ communities, but also of peace, diversity, and multiculturalism, and is even used in official capacities in some countries. It highlighted that embassies in countries like Sweden routinely display the flag during Pride events.
“To consider the rainbow flag insulting implies that LGBTQ+ identity is inherently degrading—a discriminatory premise in itself,” the appeal stated.
Procedural violations during detention and questioning
The appeal also included a detailed account of procedural violations during Medin’s arrest at Istanbul Airport. According to MLSA, he was questioned without a certified translator, with authorities instead relying on Google Translate. He was denied access to legal counsel and was asked to sign a statement he did not understand. A tour guide, not a legal interpreter, was assigned to him during questioning, leading to serious translation deficiencies.
MLSA also emphasized that the articles cited in the indictment were published in Swedish, in Sweden, and for a Swedish audience—raising concerns about jurisdiction and legal predictability. Prosecuting these reports in Turkey, the appeal argued, conflicts with both principles.
“Chilling effect” on international press
The appeal argued that the conviction does not only violate Medin’s individual rights but also sends a chilling message to the international press. Medin has published critical reporting on governments from Israel to Hungary, Russia to the United States, the appeal noted, emphasizing that his journalistic focus is far broader than Turkey alone.
MLSA urged the court to overturn the prison sentence and acquit Medin, citing serious legal and constitutional concerns.
Background: Arrest, conviction, and pending terror charges
Joakim Medin was arrested at Istanbul Airport on March 28 on charges of “insulting the president” and “membership in a terrorist organization.” On April 30, he was sentenced to 11 months and 20 days in prison for the insult charge and subsequently released, but remained in custody due to the terrorism allegation.
Following a jurisdictional dispute, the terrorism case was transferred from the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court to Istanbul. On May 16, the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court approved MLSA’s request for Medin’s release, and he was freed from Silivri Prison. He departed Turkey shortly afterward.
The first hearing in the terrorism case is scheduled for September 25, 2025.
