Swedish-Kurdish Politician Lütfi Baksi Released in Turkey After Brief Detention

Lütfi Baksi, an 83-year-old Swedish-Kurdish politician, was arrested by Turkish authorities at Istanbul Airport on October 21 while attempting to return to Sweden. Despite traveling to Turkey on September 20 without incident, Baksi was detained following the issuance of an arrest warrant three days into his visit. He suffers from dementia and requires assistance with mobility, raising health concerns among his family. Baksi was held overnight and interrogated by police regarding a previous legal case in Turkey before being released the next morning.

Baksi’s son, Kurdo Baksi, expressed relief at the release but emphasized the family’s continued concern until his father safely arrives back in Sweden. Lütfi Baksi is a former leader of the pro-Kurdish party Kadep and was sentenced in 2020 to six years in prison in Turkey on allegations of ties to a terrorist organization, charges he denies and is currently appealing. The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed Baksi's release and is providing assistance to the family for his return journey, though they have kept details confidential.

This incident is emblematic of ongoing tensions surrounding Kurdish politicians in Turkey, complicated in Baksi’s case by his advanced age and health condition. His arrest shortly before return to Sweden highlights the precarious situation Turkish-Kurdish activists often face.