Court decision to ban headscarf cannot justify murder says international rights group Human Rights Watch upon the killing of a Turkish State Council judge and wounding of four others who had decided to ban headscarf in state offices.

Turkeys mainstream media covers the attack on Council of State judges as the worst attack against state institutions ever. Mainstream Turkish dailies Hurriyet a secularist newspaper and Islamist Zaman publish columns alarming for a grave situation.

Attack on Council of State judges condemned by President Sezer, PM Erdogan, Minister of Justice Cicek and a number of NGOs. Sezer: This is an attack against the secular republic. MAZLUMDER says the attack shouldnt be associated to the Council of Stat

Over 20,000 jurists and supporters in capital Ankara march to modern Turkeys founder Ataturks mausoleum vouching Turkey will remain secularist. Crowds cheer and applaud force commanders arriving at Council of State. Protestors shout Government Resign.

KOS GLs International Gathering Against Homophobia starts in Ankara on May 17. Seminars, workshops and film shows to raise awareness against homophobia in all walks of life. Event continues until May 21.

Armenian Turkish journalists Dink and Engin were attacked during court hearing in Istanbul. Defendants escaped near-lynch attempt under police protection. They are exploiting court cases for nationalist plots says Dink.

With the release of four more children from prison in Diyarbakir. the number of minors still under arrest for alleged involvement in the March protests is 19. Cases against 70 minors are to be heard by May 18. Lawyer Analay wants all children released.

Diyarbakirs 6th festival dedicated to Enis Ata and Abdullah Duran who lost their lives when police opened fire during March incidents. Let my dreams remain childish theme to mark festival that will end on May 18.

The International Prisons Conference was held in Ankara during the weekend. Academics and human rights activists discussed women and children rights in prison, isolation of inmates, methods to prevent and monitor torture, the ban on enforced labor rights.

Antimilitarist activists stage traditional tourist event to reveal militarist policies. Militourism festival held despite heavy rain and even heavier police intervention that forces program change. Activists critical of state, ongoing 20 year war.

International Conference on Enforced Disappearance Under custody is being held between May 16-20. 46 delegates from 17 countries attending conference. ICADs Selcuk says: We want the opening of mass graves, an end to disappearances and prosecutions.

The number of children killed by an explosion while playing with a parcel reportedly containing a timed bomb reached 4 on Sunday with 6 year-old Umut Turkmen losing his life in intensive care.

Grenade hurled at Istanbul headoffice of daily for 3 times in a week. No casualties reported in Thursdays blast where a percussion bomb was used. Editor-in-Chief Yıldız says Attack against democracy and press freedom.

National Disabled Week focuses on deficiency of Disabled Law as one out of eight in population struggles to prove their equal status. Chair Boyraz challenges lack of budget arguments saying Istanbul has money to cover the whole city with tulips.

Reporter Ozbaris faces fourth court case for discouraging people from military service for reports and interviews published by pro-Kurdish Gundem daily. Journalist faces 12 years jail for publishing statement by conscientious objector Halil Savda.

Journalist couple Selmi Yilmaz and Fakir Yılmaz sentenced to pay 5,800 USD in damages to Ardahan police chief for reports and articles blaming local police for failing to cope with growing prostitution.

Milli Gazete writer Mehmet Sevket Eygi is sentenced to 1 year imprisonment for inciting hatred and enmity in last years article No Effort or Patriotism Left. Term not to be deferred but appeal being made.

Court acquits Professor Dr. Ibrahim Kaboglu, the former head of the Human Rights Advisory Board of the Prime Ministry (BIHDK), and board member Professor Doctor Baskin Oran on hatred and enmity charges for proposing Turkey citizenry instead of Turk.

23 children are still in prison in relation to the Diyarbakir incidents. 36 children on trial facing up to 24 years imprisonment each. Lawyer Analay says minors held in prison despite lack of evidence in files, demands an urgent release

The campaign starts at noon as Parliament Justice Commission begins debating new Anti-Terror Bill. Activists using phone and mobile networks to lodge protests to Commission members and MPs. 5-minute protest over 11 provinces may mark major civil action.