A. Uludag, a journalist for Deutsche Welle's Turkish service, was arrested on Thursday evening by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office as part of an investigation into his social media posts. He is accused of insulting the president and disseminating misleading information, which has raised significant concern among press freedom advocates. Uludag mainly focuses on the judicial system and corruption cases, making him a target in an increasingly restrictive media environment in Turkey.

His arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom defenders, who regard it as an assault on media independence and democratic norms. Deutsche Welle's managing director, Barbara Massing, has publicly called for Uludag's release, labeling the arrest as an intentional act of intimidation against journalists. The incident exemplifies the challenges faced by journalists operating in Turkey, particularly those reporting on sensitive subjects such as government corruption and the judiciary.

On Friday, journalists gathered outside the Çaglayan Court House in Istanbul to protest Uludag's detention and demand his immediate release. The situation highlights the ongoing struggles for press freedom in Turkey, as noted by the organization "Reporters Without Borders," which emphasizes that most media organizations in the country are under significant pressure and face severe governmental restrictions. Uludag's case is indicative of the broader climate of fear that journalists in Turkey endure when reporting on controversial topics or critiquing government officials.