NEWS - Bianet

NEWS

Page 314

Trade Unionist Teacher Killed

The teachers trade union Egitim-Sen has voiced suspicions that the murder of one of its members, literature teacher Deprem Sarikas, last week may be political. Two days before the murder, Sarikas had been attacked by a group with knives.

Milliyet Cleared of Terrorist Propaganda

Mainstream newspaper Milliyet had been accused of reporting pro-Kurdish propaganda on its website. Newspaper chief and owner were acquitted on 23 May because court acknowledged public interest in the news.

25 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Reform on Work Permits for Foreigners

Changes have been made to the regulations for foreigners applying for work permits. Foreign architects and engineers are permitted to work without the approval of professional chambers. The definition of foreigner has changed.

Journalist to be Retried Under Article 301

Journalist Karaca, who had received a prison sentence converted to a fine in his trial under Article 301, is being retried because there was a procedural error in the court proceedings. The first sitting is scheduled for June 20.

25 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

AI Say Human Rights Situation Froze in 2006

Amnesty International comments on the state of human rights in Turkey in 2006 in its world report published on its website yesterday. A lack of progress is noted in areas of freedom of speech, Kurdish rights, domestic security etc.

Speculations After Ankara Bomb Attack

A man has been identified through DNA and fingerprints as the suicide bomber in the Ankara bombing. As the initial shock over the attack in Ankara on 22 May dies down, there is increasing debate over the perpetrators and repercussions of the attack.

Turkish Women Celebrate Feminist Anniversary

The 20th anniversary of the first womens march against domestic violence in Turkey was marked with a new protest meeting and a concert in Istanbul. Women agree that a lot remains to be done. Female intellectuals interpret Turkeys womens movement.

22 May 2007 Ayça Örer

Politics Heat Up as Elections Draw Close

Centre-left parties have agreed to collaborate and attended the last of the Republican rallies in the Black Sea city of Samsun at the weekend. Meanwhile, the left is deciding on independent candidates for parliament.

Conscientious Objectors Rallied for Peace

Opposition to war and support for imprisoned conscientious objector Halil Savda was expressed in the demonstration on 20 May, organized by The Conscientious Objectors Platform in Istanbul . A speaker denounced the profits made by war.

More Trials Under Article 301

The trial of three writers of the leftist Ülkede Özgür Gündem newspaper continues. Journalist Hozatli insists on his right to criticise the state. Another trial under Article 301 has ended in acquittal.

21 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Homosexuals Fed Up with Media Bias

At the Second International Meeting against Homophobia in Ankara this week, representatives of gay and lesbian NGOs have criticised the medias treatment of homosexual news. As a reaction to sexism, they have developed a regional reporter network.

21 May 2007 Ayça Örer

More Questions in Hrant Dink Investigation

An investigation of phone calls made by suspects in the Hrant Dink case has revealed hidden connections between suspects, a gendarmerie intelligence officer and a police officer. There has not been sufficient questioning.

Prof. Oran: Turkey in a Tunnel of Fear

In a talk in Izmir, political scientist Prof. Dr. Baskin Oran called for anewed discussion of many concepts in Turkey. He dismissed fears of non-Muslim religious activity in Turkey, as well as fear of sharia law.

21 May 2007 Gönül İlhan

Prime Minister Erdogan Interprets Laicism

At the International Press Institutes Congress held in Istanbul, Erdogan claimed that not me, but the state is secular. He disclaimed responsibility for the 10% electoral hurdle.

Struggle for power between religion and state

Prof. Dr. Serpil Sancar claims that the real issue is not laicism, but a contest for influence. Real laicism would mean neutrality of the state towards all religious groups. Republican rallies are undemocratic.

17 May 2007 A. Nilüfer Zengin Kürkçü

European Reaction to Military Interference

European politicians have reacted to the memorandum published on the website of the Armed Forces General Staff on 27 April. They express worries about the effects on relations between Turkey and the EU.

The Parliament Restricts The Web

The Law on Internet Use is crticized for its restrictive approach towards internet communication. It aims at wider control of publications on the Internet through censorship and written commands say critics who expect it overturned by the President.

16 May 2007 Fikret İlkiz

Women Pushed to The Bottom in Election Lists

In spite of widespread belief that the percentage of women candidates will increase in the forthcoming general elections, no party has yet got a woman candidate in the top three of their election tickets.

16 May 2007 Ayça Örer

Orhan Pamuk Honoured in His Hometown

2006 Nobel laureate novelist Orhan Pamuk has been awarded a honorary doctorate from Turkeys acclaimed Boğaziçi University, in the wake of a symposium dedicated to his literary work. Pamuk emphasized the importance of freedoms in a society.

Artist on Trial for Remarks on Kurdish Issue

Singer Ferhat Tunc, known for his critical remarks about the Kurdish issue in Turkey, faces yet another trial with regard to his speech during a concert last year. Guerillas are sons of this country just as the soldiers who loose their lives, he said.

15 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

500 People Condemn Army Cyber Intervention

Prominent writers, journalists, artists and lawyers sign a petition criticizing General Staffs threatening declaration on April 27. They urged a electoral law reform for a pluralist, democratic, secular and liberterian parliament and fair representation.

Republicans Crowd İzmir This Time

Hundreds of thousands march in Aegean city of İzmir this weekend, for a fifth republican meeting which was initiated by Kemalist NGOs as a protest to the government. The crowd urged the social democrat CHP and DSP to join forces for elections.

Journalists Progress Towards Orgnanization

Were increasing our efforts to organize media workers all around the country said Turkeys Union of Journalists chair Ercan İpekçi. The union is on the verge of gaining a majority at ATV and Sabah daily, following its confiscation by the TMSF.

14 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Viable Projects Key to Combat Child Poverty

Lila Pieters, deputy representative of the United Nations Childrens Fund in Turkey says, more than a quarter of Turkeys children live in poverty, meaning that their caregivers do not have adequate means to feed, clothe, shelter, educate or protect them.

Women Mark Years of Struggle Against Violence

Dozens of activists met in Kadıkoy this weekend to mark the 20th anniversary of the first womens march against domestic violence. They noted that violence and discrimination against women are still widespread and their struggle would continue.

Journalists Organize Despite Entanglement

Three journalists have been fired at Merkez Media Group, which had been confiscated by the public fund in April. Turkeys Journalists Union reacted to the action as a threat aimed at violating workers right to organize.

Police Pressure After Critical Article

Editor of the local Emirdağ newspaper, Koyuncu has been arrested following an article in which he criticized the local police. Several officers complained against him and Koyuncu will face trial on May 24. He quoted claims of abuse by the police.

10 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Teetering on the Brink of Chaos

In Turkey, the process of electing the countrys eleventh president has been accompanied by ongoing demonstrations against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Attila Azrak spoke to Ertuğrul Kürkçü of bianet.org and asked him what he thinks...

8 May 2007 Attila Azrak

Translator Face Charges as Publisher Clears

Publisher and writer Ragıp Zarakolus trials with regard to two books undertaking the Armenian issue continue. Hes acquitted on one case but the translator of the book will face charges. The other case had been postponed to June 26.

8 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Everybody Knows Who Not to Vote For

As Turkey heads for early general elections in late July, the voters seem to know what they oppose to but have a hard time identifying a concrete choise for their ambitions. We interwieved random people on Istanbul streets and tried to contemplate.

Journalists March to Protest Police Violence

Some 100 journalists marched in protest of the police violence towards eight colleagues druing last weeks May Day demonstrations in Istanbul. This is the first time journalists took to streets since years. They filed complaints against police officers

Politics Focus on General Elections

AKPs Gul withdrew his candidature for presidential elections following a failed second attempt to gather enough MPs in the parliament. DYP and ANAP join powers under a new party for the general elections. Republican meetings continue in two cities.