Former prosecutor Kayasu appreciated the amendment of article 15 of the Constitution: "I hope it will be effected. The prosecution of the putschists is very important. The discussion about the statute of limitation is pointless because it does not apply to the duration of immunity".

A trial has been opened against Hürriyet newspaper journalist Kurt and editorial manager Kılıç although the related investigation into an assassination plot directed at Deputy PM Arınç is still continuing. Both defendants face imprisonment for taking and publishing pictures of Colonel E.Y.B.

"Parasız eğitim istiyoruz" -the slogan "We want free education" on a banner displayed at the "Romani meeting", which was also attended by PM Erdoğan, is seen as an illegal slogan and was reason to detain two young people. Allegedly, holding up the banner was a criminal offence.

Thousands of people called for dialogue and democracy in the Newroz celebrations in Yüksekova. Masses of people flowing into the city celebrated a peaceful beginning of the Iranian New Year.

The Istanbul Yaşam Radio presented the variety of its programs at a cocktail organized to make the radio staff meet with listeners and the media. Yaşam Radio broadcasts in Turkish and in minority languages and stands for a democratic initiative which includes the Kurds, Armenians and Alevis.

Hakan Tahmaz will have to appear at court on 1 June for his interview with PKK leading official Karayılan. Temel Demirer will stand trial on 20 May for his statement that Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was killed for recognizing the Armenian genocide.

More than 20 organizations urged the government once more in a joint statement to change water policies and stop the construction of hydroelectric power plants and dams. "We are experiencing a destruction beyond repair", the organizations warned.

The government prepared a draft law against discrimination. The bill envisages monetary fines of up to TL 500,000 for discrimination. It includes the establishment of an "anti-discrimination and equality committee" which provides the right to individual application.

The European Court of Human Rights decreed for a violation of freedom of speech regarding Evrensel newspaper distributor Görkem's being held in custody for three hours in June 2004. Turkey was sentenced by majority vote to pay € 1,800 in compensation.

Turkey cannot protect women who apply to institutions after they have been exposed to violence because the state does not provide safety of life. Four women became victims of violence within the last five days. Kartaler from the Mor Çatı women's shelter calls for increasing the capacity of social services.

The court decreed for the release of Rear Admiral Erdağ and Colonel Türkşen. Another 33 active and retired military officers will be kept in detention.

General İlker Başbuğ, Chief of General Staff, said to think well when publishing news about terrorism. At the same time, journalists are facing severe prison sentences related to news and interviews concerned with the Democratic Society Party or the PKK.

"Resign, Aliye Kavaf" was written on the banner in the protest of the Pink Life LGBTT Association. The organization filed a criminal complaint against Minister Kavaf who said "Homosexuality is a disease and should be treated".

Alper Ateş was acquitted in the first hearing related to addressing the Prime Minister with the curse "God damn you". Ateş claimed he had "only told the truth about his living conditions". M.B.G., who stands accused of similar allegations, will have to appear before the court on 5 April.

Reporters Without Borders added Turkey and Russia to the organization's "under surveillance" list published in the latest report on 12 March. "Taboo topics" for Turkey are quoted as mainly related to Atatürk, the army, minorities and the dignity of the nation.

"If the draft bill comes into effect, children will be prosecuted at juvenile courts instead of high criminal courts. Nevertheless, the children will still be treated as offenders of terror crimes. The problems will increase and intensify", said Uçum form the Justice for Children Group.

The prosecutor demanded to drop the case against publisher Taş regarding the book "The water of Avaşin is blue" by prescription. The Istanbul court acquitted Taş who stood accused of "spreading PKK propaganda". Another twelve cases are pending against the publisher.

A total of 41 people died in the earthquake on 8 March. Without exception, the casualties occurred in old houses built from mud-bricks. Plans regarding the preparation before and the crisis management after an earthquake were incomplete and not taken into action.

"Turkey would be nicer without the threat of imprisonment". This was said by British collage artist Dickinson, who depicted President Erdoğan as the dog of former US President Bush. Dickinson was sentenced to 425 days imprisonment; his sentence was converted into a monetary fine and lifted at last.

Former Minister of Labour and Social Security Ziya Halis is the chairman of Turkey's new left-wing party EDP. The Party for Equality and Democracy will be merged with the Social Democratic People's Party in a convention on 13 March.