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Alican Uludağ receives Turkish Press Freedom Award

Turkish DW correspondent Alican Uludağ has been awarded the Press Freedom Award of the Turkish Journalists' Association. The honor comes just weeks after his release from three months of pretrial detention in Turkey.

Deutschland 2021 | Journalist Alican Uludağ erhält Raif Badawi Award der Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
Image: Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit/AP Photo/picture alliance

Turkish DW correspondent Alican Uludağ has received the 2026 TGC Press Freedom Award in the "Individual" category. In its statement, the jury says "Alican Uludağ is being honored for his public interest coverage focusing on the judiciary, security institutions, human rights violations and corruption. The jury particularly recognizes his determination to bring the truth to the fore despite pressure and threats, thereby practicing independent journalism in the service of society."

The award comes only weeks after Uludağ's release from pretrial detention. The journalist was arrested on February 19, 2026, and spent approximately three months in custody. He is facing charges related to several social media posts, including alleged insults against the president, dissemination of misleading information and denigration of state institutions. Uludağ rejects all allegations. On May 21, the court ordered his release pending trial. However, the proceedings are continuing. The next hearing is scheduled for September 18, 2026.

Alican Uludağ: "Receiving the Press Freedom Award is a recognition of the responsibility of journalists to pursue the truth, even under difficult circumstances. As I stated throughout my three months of pretrial detention and during my defense, I have always maintained that my reporting was not a crime, but journalistic work carried out in service of the public’s right to information."

Uludağ sees the award as "an important sign of appreciation for all journalists who continue to practice their profession despite various restrictions and forms of repression. I will remain committed to the truth, continue to investigate wrongdoing and pursue journalism in the public interest."

The Turkish Journalists' Association has presented its Press Freedom Award since 1989. The award recognizes journalism that serves the public interest and highlights the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey.