Newscast The BBC Journalist Arrested in Turkey
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Mar 29, 2025 
Mark Lowen, a BBC journalist recently deported from Turkey, shares his gripping firsthand account of being arrested while covering protests against Istanbul's mayor. He delves into Turkey's increasing political turmoil and the continuing fight for freedom of expression under Erdogan's regime. The discussion also touches on the significance of comprehensive coverage of global events and highlights the importance of accountability within institutions, as seen through the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury amid abuse scandal revelations.
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Political Turmoil in Turkey
- The arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, sparked widespread protests against President Erdogan's rule.
- The mayor's arrest is viewed as politically motivated, as he is Erdogan's main rival in the upcoming elections.
Journalist Arrested and Deported
- Mark Lowen, a BBC journalist, was arrested in Istanbul while covering protests sparked by the mayor's arrest.
- Turkish police detained him for 17 hours, then deported him for being a "threat to public order".
Turkey's Extreme Political Climate
- Turkey's political climate is characterized by extremes, swinging between positive and negative experiences.
- Despite his arrest, Lowen maintains affection for the Turkish people and their complex nature.