The Supreme Court ruled that there are “many obstacles” to the journalist’s deportation
The Swedish Supreme Court today rejected Ankara’s request to deport journalist Bulent Kenes to Turkey, which the Turkish president has set as a condition Recep Tayyip Erdogan in order to approve Sweden’s accession to NATO.
The Supreme Court ruled that there are “many obstacles” to the deportation of this journalist, a former editorial director of the English-language edition of the Zaman newspaper, citing the political nature of the charges against him in Turkey and the refugee status he has been granted in Sweden, where he lives in self-exile.
“There is also a risk that he will be prosecuted because of his political beliefs. Consequently it cannot be extradited,” explained Judge Peter Asp.
Ankara accuses Kenes of being involved in the failed coup attempt of 2016 and of being linked to the preacher’s organization Fethullah Gülen.
Asked by AFP, Kenes said he was “happy” about the Swedish court’s decision, while accusing “the Erdogan regime” of “fabricating the charges” against him.
“I’m a journalist, not a terrorist,” he emphasized, declaring “I’m sure the regime will use other methods to make my life as difficult as possible.”
Apart from Hungary, which is set to sign Sweden and Finland joining NATO in early 2023, Turkey is the only country threatening not to agree to the two countries joining the Alliance. The approval of all 30 member states is required for a country to join NATO.
Ankara, Stockholm and Helsinki signed a memorandum of understanding during the last NATO meeting in June, but the very next day Erdogan again threatened to block their entry.
During the visit of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson to Turkey with the aim of persuading the Turkish president, Erdogan asked him about the dozens of deportations that Ankara has requested. Erdogan had cited 53-year-old Kenes as an example, accusing him of “terrorism”.
Sweden’s government has stressed that the country’s judiciary is independent and has the final say on extradition requests to Turkey.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
