A court in Ankara has released Deutsche Welle reporter Alican Uludag from detention as his trial on charges of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan opened. The next hearing is scheduled for September 18.

Uludag's lawyer, Abbas Yalcin, welcomed the release but noted that even if convicted, his client would not serve more than 90 days. Yalcin argued the detention period could be seen as punishment prior to conviction.

Uludag was detained in February over 22 social media posts allegedly insulting Erdogan, spreading misinformation, and disparaging state institutions. He denies all charges, claiming he was objectively reporting.

Appearing via video link, Uludag called the arrangement a breach of his right to a fair defense. He stated, 'I have committed no crimes, I have insulted nobody, and I demand an acquittal.'

Erol Onderoglu, head of Reporters Without Borders in Turkey, welcomed the release but condemned the 90-day detention as mistreatment. DW Director General Barbara Massing called the arrest a 'targeted attempt at intimidation.'

Turkey ranks 163rd out of 180 countries in the RSF Press Freedom Index, reflecting its crackdown on critical journalists. The case highlights ongoing concerns over press freedom in the NATO member and EU candidate country.

Source: www.dw.com