EU demands Turkey drop charges against Swedish journalist Joakim Medin

"It is clearly an attack on journalism and freedom of expression," says Jonas Sjöstedt (V), who is behind the demand together with party colleague Hanna Gedin.

The statement was voted through as part of an annual report on fundamental rights in the EU. All Swedes present voted in favour of the demand, which passed by 350 votes to 264. Similar wording was also adopted in February.

Although the demands have no legal significance, Sjöstedt hopes they will have an effect before the trial against Medin, which continues next week.

"It means a lot that it is an issue for the EU. Political pressure could make Turkey back down from its unreasonable accusations," Sjöstedt tells TT.