The ruling AKP's move to free headscarves in the universities, leads to strong reactions from the secularists. Some fear from the end of secular state, others argue limited freedom is hypocritical.

After a big operation against al-Qaeda in the city of Gaziantep on Thursday, 25 suspects were detained. On Monday there were taken to the prosecutor to give a statement.

Retired General Veli Küçük, notorious for alleged connections with scores of unresolved extra-judicial executions while on duty, is sent to jail for involvement in ultra-nationalist terror campaign.

Women NGOs protest against government schemes for new legislation on dressing to impose restrictions justified with "general morality".

Following General Büyükanit’s approval of a flag made from the blood of school children, 418 women have signed a statement condemning militarism and nationalism.

Prof. Dr. Sancar pointed out that the religious authorities in Turkey were civil servants employed by the state.

The biology curriculum includes an experiment where pupils determine their blood group. Health activist Sütlas has criticised the dangers of such projects.

Kulca, president of the Hope Children’s Association, spoke on Yön Radio: “The problem of children being pushed into the streets could be solved within a year.”

Turkey's military chief General Yasar Büyükanit faces criticism by psychologists and peace activists for publicising of a group of children who painted an image of a Turkish flag from their own blood.

Lawyer Asma claims that the judiciary does not protect exploited children, but their families: "The family who forced their child to marry should have been tried under Article 233; the punishment was insufficient."

The Diyarbakir bombing of 3 January has claimed a sixth life, that of 17-year old Engin Taskaya.

Around fifty NGOs from Diyarbakir, the scene to a deadly blast last week, expressed determination to stop violence. "Violence and savagery must never be used as methods to try to solve problems" they said.

35 Cypriot Greeks and Turks joined a workshop "Creating Empathy - Loss", in which they learned about the pain of families who had lost relatives.

The Bala district of Ankara province experienced an earthquake on Thursday, the first day of the Feast of Sacrifice.

A study by the Egitim-Sen trade union has found that one out of five children starts school late in areas where seasonal labour is common.

As the government, the opposition and families continue to struggle for power over children's bodies, education expert Aydoganoglu warns that the children's self-confidence is destroyed.

From 18 to 20 December, TÜRSAK shows international films in Istanbul. The theme this year is "Overcoming Borders".

Disturbing connections between the murder suspects in the Malatya murders and the military and the state have emerged after the first hearing of the case.

An Atlasjet plane travelling from Istanbul to Isparta crashed before being able to land. The 50 passengers and 7 crew members are dead.

Prime Minister Erdogan and Chief of General Staff Büyükanit have met in order to talk about developments concerning possible cross-border operations.