Turkey: DW correspondent Alican Uludağ rearrested

July 21, 2026

DW's Turkey correspondent Alican Uludağ has been arrested again in Turkey. The award-winning investigative journalist is facing new allegations in a separate investigation, while an ongoing case against him continues.

Image: Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit/AP Photo/picture alliance

Update: July 22, 2026 - DW correspondent Alican Uludağ released under judicial restrictions

Court and investigative journalist Alican Uludağ, who was rearrested Tuesday, was released in Ankara on Wednesday afternoon under judicial restrictions.

A new investigation against him, in addition to an ongoing case, will continue. Authorities ordered Uludağ to report to police four times a week and imposed a travel ban.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said the latest investigation stems from posts Uludağ made on X. It cited Articles 216 (incitement to hatred and hostility and denigration of sections of the public) and 217a (public dissemination of misleading information) of Turkey's Penal Code.

Uludağ was previously detained on February 19, 2026, over critical posts on X and remained in pretrial detention until May 21. Proceedings in that case are scheduled to resume on September 18.

DW Director General Barbara Massing said: "The re-arrest of our colleague Alican Uludağ is deeply concerning. Journalistic work must not be criminalized. For many years, Alican has independently researched and reported on the judiciary, politics and society in Turkey in the public interest. We expect his rights to be fully respected and demand a fair trial in accordance with the rule of law. Deutsche Welle continues to stand firmly by his side."

The latest arrest comes while criminal proceedings stemming from Uludağ's previous detention remain ongoing. The DW correspondent was arrested on February 19, 2026, and spent a total of 92 days in pretrial detention before being released on May 21. The charges against him – including allegedly insulting the president, spreading misleading information and denigrating state institutions – remain pending. A court hearing in the case is scheduled for September 18.

The well-known investigative and court reporter has spent years covering the judiciary, human rights and corruption in Turkey. During his previous detention, numerous national and international organizations, as well as the German government, called for his release. In July, Uludağ was awarded the 2026 Press Freedom Award by the Turkish Journalists' Association (TGC).

Deutsche Welle is in contact with Uludağ’s legal counsel and will provide updates as the situation develops.