Stefan Löfven was denied prison visit in Turkey

Former Prime Minister Stefan Löfven traveled to Istanbul to meet Erdogan’s main rival in prison.

On the way there came the news that Swedish journalist Joakim Medin was arrested on Turkish soil.

– This is more difficult than many understand, he says.

The former S-leader traveled to Istanbul in the role of President of the PES (European Social Democratic Party) during Friday.

The plan was to meet, among other things, Istanbuls now imprisoned mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

– Of course, we wanted to show our solidarity and support. When capturing a mayor and political opponent on very vague grounds, it is important that we are there, says Stefan Löfven to Aftonbladet.

But there was never a meeting. The group was denied by the Turkish Justice Ministry.

Instead, the delegation met with other representatives of Imamoglus’s party, CHP, and visited the outside of the prison.

Raging against the Swedish arrest

At the same time, the news came that Swedish journalist Joakim Medin was arrested after landing in Istanbul.

According to information in Turkish media, he is accused, among other things, of insulting Turkey’s President Erdogan and being a member of a terrorist organization.

European Parliamentarian Evin Incir (S) was also on the trip, and reacted strongly to the arrest.

– The charges are completely baseless and cursed lies. We have seen accusations of terrorism for a long time against oppositionists in Turkey. Now we also see how it is used against European journalists, she says.

Stefan Löfven agrees with the seriousness of the arrest of Joakim Medin:

– It’s very bad. When journalists are not allowed to reproduce what actually happens, many people are uncertain. He has to be released as quickly as possible, he says.

“The question is how far he is prepared to go”

During his years as prime minister, he himself has had some to do with Turkish President Erdogan.

The latest prison lands do not surprise Löfven – but he worries about how fast it is now in the dismantling of the opposition.

– It has not been unknown in which way Erdogan has heard about democracy. This is a regime and a president who cannot withstand any criticism.

Stefan Löfven admits, however, that some balance is required in the dialogue with Turkey. The country is still strategically important for Europe, not least military.

However, he himself wishes a clearer condemnation from EU level.

– You have to express more than worry. This is contrary to international law and law, and you have to actually be clear.

Do you think the Swedish government can get harder against Turkey?

– I don’t have all the information about what is already being done. But I think the EU should be harder, including Sweden, yes.

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the streets of Istanbul to demonstrate against the Erdogan government, Cumhuri reports.

Stefan Löfven is again at home on Swedish soil, but continues to follow the development with great concern.

– These attacks hit so broadly. Obviously, Erdogan wants to extend his power in some way. The question is how far he is prepared to go.