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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

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

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.

Undue Influence of Military in Semdinli Trial

After the initial prison sentence of two suspect army officers was revoked by the court of appeals, lawyers of the third party involved have spoken of a cover-up. They may apply to the European Court of Human Rights.

18 May 2007 Tolga Korkut

Appeal of Murdered Journalists Widow

Rakel Dink, widow of the murdered ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, has appealed to Prime Minister Erdogan to let the Prime Ministerial Review Committee investigate the case further. Her letter has not been answered.

18 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Radio Station Contests Closure

The Radio Station Anatolias Voice is protesting against its closure by the Supreme Council of Radio and Television (RTÜK). They argue that dissident voices are silenced.

Trial on E-Mail Threats Sent to Academic

Four people are being tried for sending threatening e-mails to Prof. Dr. Baskin Oran. A court of peace in Ankara is waiting for statements of two of the suspects. The case will continue on 19 September.

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.

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.

Journalists Take Media Group to Court

Three journalists dismissed from the atv and Sabah media group for trade union activities are going to trial to claim compensation. Trade union leader Ipekci speaks of veiled threats, but union activities continue.

17 May 2007 Tolga Korkut

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

Political Parties Hunting Famous Women

Many of the women candidates that parties have put forward are famous. The list includes Eksioglu, Sertel, Arat, Vidinli, Sevindi, Kısaparmak, Zana, Kepoglu, and Yalcindag. Some of them have already announced their candidature.

Ironic Punishment for Conscientious Objector

Halil Savda, currently in military prison in Çorlu for his refusal to do military service, is punished with nine days solitary confinement for disobeying orders. Punishment coincides with the May 15, International Conscientious Objection Day.

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

Sentences for Army Officers Revoked

The Supreme Court of Appeals overturns the verdict against two army officers for bombings in the Şemdinli courtcase. Questioning was incomplete high court decided. Tanrikulu of Diyarbakir Bar Association relates the decision with army pressure.

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

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.

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.

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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

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.

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.

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

No Votes for Those To Ignore Renewable Energy

Representatives of 144 environmental groups have met and vowed that they will not vote for those who neglect renewable energy. They have also called for the law on nuclear power stations scrapped. The provisional law has been passed by the parliament.

301 Makes No Discrimination...

Publisher Sırrı Öztürk and writer Tiftikçi are on trial for a critical study on the Turkish army. Public Prosecutor Turhan faces charges for saying, I do not trust the judiciary. Alınak of the DTP party has been sentenced to ten months imprisonment.

9 May 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

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.

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

Two Journalists Kiiled in Attacks in Iraq

Three days after the Tigris (Dicle) radio station in Bagdad was attacked twice in one day, an embedded Russian journalist, Dimitri Tchebotayev, was killed in an attack on the US army in Diyala. At the radio station one security guard died.

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.