In Sweden, justice rejects extradition of journalist sought by Turkey to confirm Stockholm’s entry into NATO

Acknowledging Sweden’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a personal request of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But the Swedish Supreme Court on Monday, December 19, rejected Turkey’s extradition request for journalist Bülent Kenes.

The High Court upheld the appeal against the extradition “Many Obstacles” The extradition to Turkish authorities of this former headmaster, accused by Ankara of a 2016 coup attempt and a member of the Gülenist movement.

Due to the allegations against him, the Supreme Court upheld his refugee status in Sweden “Political Offenses” Or related to the security of the Turkish state, and finally being a member of the movement of preacher Fethullah Gulen is not reprehensible in Sweden, he explained in a press release. “There is also a risk of persecution based on his political beliefs. So deportation will not take place.Judge Peter Asp said.

A former columnist for an English newspaper Today’s Zaman He said to himself “happy” Conclusion, but charged “Erdogan’s Reign” containing “Made up accusations” against him. “I’m a journalist, not a terrorist”He thought that “The regime is sure to use other means to make my life as difficult as possible”.

Blocks the threat

Apart from Hungary, which must ratify Sweden and Finland’s membership by early 2023, Turkey is the only country threatening to block the two Nordic countries’ NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ankara, Stockholm and Helsinki signed the memorandum of understanding at the last NATO summit in June, but Mr. Erdogan again threatened to block the necessary approval the next day.

During a visit by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson to appease the Turkish head of state, the latter was questioned about dozens of extraditions requested by Ankara as part of the talks. The Turkish head of state then cited only one name as an example: Mr. Kenes, 53, he alleged. “terrorist”.

The most delicate point of Ankara’s demands is the deportation of Kurdish fighters or figures hostile to the Turkish regime who have taken refuge in Sweden. The Swedish government recalled that the justice of the Nordic country is independent, has the last word and cannot question decisions already made.