ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish authorities detained Alican Uludag, a veteran correspondent for German state-backed broadcaster Deutsche Welle, following a Thursday raid on his apartment where IT equipment was confiscated.

Why it matters: The arrest of a high-profile journalist from a major European outlet signals a tightening grip on dissent and media independence within Turkey.

The details: The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced a criminal investigation into Uludag based on social media posts made roughly 18 months ago.

• The posts on platform X reportedly criticized government measures that led to the release of suspected Islamic State militants.
• Authorities have accused the reporter of “insulting the president” and “disseminating misleading information.”

What they’re saying: DW Director General Barbara Massing called the charges “baseless,” describing the detention as a “deliberate act of intimidation” intended to suppress press freedom.

What’s next: Uludag, who was transported from Ankara to Istanbul police custody, is scheduled to be brought before prosecutors on Friday.