“Headscarf Ban at Universities Softened but more to do for human rights…

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It is just like that. In another round of never ending headscarf issue, Higher Education Council (YÖK) sent university presidents a memo to actually lift the ban. But of course it will take more time to legally change the situation… It is only after the miserable defeat of Kemalist forces in referendum, this shameful ban comes closer to be lifted…

But we have many other problems. Here is a roundup of human rights issues in Turkey:

Headscarf Ban at Universities Softened

from Bianet :: English
The Higher Education Council partly lifted the controversial headscarf ban at universities. According to a circular sent by the Council, students may no longer be expelled from class because of their attire. Disciplinary proceedings will be taken against lecturers who do otherwise.

All Turkish reporters are at risk, say ‘partisan’ journalists

from Hurriyet Dailynews
Legal challenges to three correspondents from two pro-government newspapers show how Turkish law is a threat to all journalists, the reporters have said.

Press freedom in Turkey: Don’t cross Erdogan | The Economist

JİTEM Colonel Doğan gives details of Eşref Bitlis’ murder
Today’s Zaman
… a clandestine and illicit unit within the gendarmerie, testified to prosecutor Zekeriya Öz at the Beşiktaş Courthouse in İstanbul on Thursday and Friday

‘Investigation into gen. Bitlis’ death important for social conscience’
Today’s Zaman
Bitlis after a recording featuring the voice of a retired colonel who is currently one of the chief suspects in the Ergenekon trial was posted online last

Army to brief PM on new military service model

from Hurriyet Dailynews by ANKARA- Hürriyet Daily News
The ambiguity over a plan to restructure the country?s conscription regulations is getting deeper, as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denied his deputy?s statement that these regulations were suspended.

The Headscarf Is Now Allowed On Turkey?s Campuses

from Kamil Pasha by Jenny White

The AKP and now the opposition secularist Republican People?s Party (CHP) under its new leadership are both seeking a way to change the constitution to allow women who cover their heads to attend university, something that is presently banned. But it looks like YÖK (the Higher Education Council that sets the rules in practice) has vaulted ahead by indicating, in a ruling on a particular case, that headscarves are OK in the classroom.

And Akdamar Church Has Its Cross

from Kamil Pasha by Jenny White
Photo from Radikal

Ninth Case Filed against Turkish Journalist Ismail Saymaz
International Press Institute (press release)
Saymaz, accused of “violating the secrecy of an investigation” in relation to the Ergenekon trials and events in the city of Erzincan, has previously been

IPI Condemned Prosecution of Turkish Journalist Saymaz

from Bianet :: English
The International Press Institute condemned the prosecution of journalist Saymaz on the grounds of articles related to the “Ergenekon” trial and investigation. He faces imprisonment of up to 79 years. IPI Manager Mills criticized the authorities.

ORHAN KEMAL CENGİZ – Alevis, non-Muslims and compulsory religion classes in Turkey

As is known, we have compulsory religion classes in Turkey. The way these lessons are taught and the exemption process for those who do not want to attend those lessons have caused some problems. I will try to explain these problems and their root causes in this piece and in the following. Let us look at the legal framework first and see what is really happening in practice in the schools.

FATMA DİŞLİ ZIBAK – Kılıçdaroğlu under fire over scarf proposal

Republican People?s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu continues to draw criticism for offering Iranian or Pakistani-style head coverings, which leave some hair exposed, as a solution to Turkey?s controversial headscarf problem, which prevents many women from having access to higher education.

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