No good times to play football for Israeli players in Turkey

My already busy schedule has gotten even busier in the last weeks, and I could not blog some of the news on time. One is the Israeli players in Turkey. Mr. Jehezkel was deported even before he could realize what was happening. As far as I know, one more Israeli player has lost his job.  … Read more

Turkey’s two high courts are still sulking, as Can Atalay remains in prison…

The latest situation between Turkey’s Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation is marked by a significant conflict. The Court of Cassation has accused the Constitutional Court of exceeding its authority and has refused to comply with its rulings, leading to a judicial crisis and allegations of a “judicial coup” by opposition parties, experts, and … Read more

Turkey after Mossad- many suspects detained

According to recent news reports, Turkish authorities have arrested 33 people suspected of carrying out “international espionage” for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. The suspects were detained in 57 locations across eight provinces near Istanbul as part of an investigation by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency. The suspects were believed to … Read more

Turkey seems to have banned a TV show: Kızıl Goncalar

The third episode could not be broadcast due to a case order. “Kizil Goncalar” is a popular Turkish television series that has been the subject of controversy and calls for a ban. The show, which highlights the division between religious and secular segments of society, has faced backlash since its first aired on December 18, … Read more

Big mess in Riyadh as some losers decided to have the Turkish Super Cup final there…

This is a hilarious diplomatic crisis, with an unprecedented level of idiocy and incompetence on all involved. ❌ The Turkish government decides to hold the Turkish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, no doubt in return for continued cash flow. ❌ Saudi authorities don't allow… https://t.co/8oGDhRuVPd — Umut Özkırımlı (@UOzkirimli) December 29, 2023 The Turkish … Read more

A moment of shame (?) in Turkish politics as a Turkish MP suffered heart attack during speech

Turkish MP who suffered heart attack during speech in parliament dies As he was suffering a heart attack after a harsh criticism of the government, a ruling party MP allegedly shouted at him, saying that this was the real wrath of god. During the speech, Hasan Bitmez, a member of the Saadet Party, criticized the … Read more

Erdoğan visit to Athens ends up good and reminds us not to take hostile rhetoric too seriously*

*Well, I should add Erdoğan’s hostile rhetoric here:) Here is the summary of events: During his visit to Athens, President Erdogan visited the Turkish Embassy in Athens accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Treasury and Finance[1]. President Erdogan also signed a friendship accord with Greece, saying that the two countries … Read more

Turkish judiciary efficient for the Hrant Dink assassin but not for others:(

Imprisoned for 31 years and 1 month; release blocked for the past 13 months Political prisoner Resul Baltacı has now been imprisoned for 31 years and 1 month. HRW director urges Europe to pressure Turkey over human rights record Ogün Samast, convicted assassin of Hrant Dink, released after 16 years in prison Samast’s release, Çomak’s … Read more

Nothing new on the EU Commission’s 2023 report on Türkiye

European Commission says Turkey backsliding on democracy, rule of law | Reuters Reuters ISTANBUL, Nov 8 (Reuters) – The European Commission’s annual report on Turkey’s long-stalled EU membership bid criticized on Wednesday its.. Ankara slams EU report on Turkey’s membership bid as unjust and biased Some key takeaways from the EU Commission’s 2023 report on … Read more

A kind of “judiciary coup” may be happening: Court of Cessation vs. Constitutional Court

Recently, there has been a disagreement between Turkey’s top appeals court, the Court of Cassation, and the Constitutional Court over the case of imprisoned parliamentarian Can Atalay[1][2][5][6]. The Constitutional Court ordered the release of Atalay last month, ruling that his imprisonment violated his rights to security, liberty, and the right to be elected[1][5]. However, the … Read more

Blinken in town, meeting with Hakan Fidan

, In a photo of the meeting between US Secretary of State Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, one detail deserves attention: the Al-Aqsa Mosque inside a star and crescent of the Turkish flag. Türkiye is sending a clear signal: it sees itself as  a guardian of Al-Aqsa. A detail from the photo of Blinken-Fidan … Read more

Government to abuse “disinformation” to arrest journalists

This was an expected outcome of the so-called disinformation law. I still believe that the government had enough in its arsenal to imprison the journalists without this law. However, it streamlines the process. Using a popular and anxiety-causing term/ pretext to criminalize and sentence people without much friction. It was not the first time disinformation … Read more

Erdoğan first allowed Sweden into Nato then talked about Hamas

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made a statement on October 25, 2023, in which he called Hamas a “liberation group” and “mujahideen” fighting to protect Palestinian lands and people[1][2][3]. He also criticized Western powers that have voiced support for Israel’s retaliation against Hamas, saying “Western tears shed for Israel are a manifestation of fraud”[1]. Erdogan called … Read more

Biden and the quality media- as we call them- may be the biggest losers in the recent conflict

Biden’s unequivocal support for Netanyahu led the Israeli government seems to destroy the remaining bits of American legitimacy in the region. I know things are complicated and tragic, but would that be the best way to proceed? On the other hand, global sympathy for Israeli victims is declining after the Israeli security forces’ reckless attacks … Read more

PACE adopts decision on Osman Kavala and the Turkish government does not like it

PACE adopts decision for immediate release of Osman Kavala – Bianet … GEZİ PARK TRIAL. Turkey’s top appeals court upholds Osman Kavala’s life sentence. 28 September 2023. /haber/turkeys-top-appeals-court-upholds-osman Türkiye: Convictions of Osman Kavala & four others needs urgent international response Amnesty International … Gezi Park protests against a government urban development project. Four co-defendants – Çiğdem Mater, Can Atalay, … Read more