Whattpad is one of the platforms I never used. But I know it is especially popular with some segments of society. Lack of clear reasoning adds salt to the insult—another shameful act. Wattpad has been banned in Turkey. Here are the key details about this ban: Timing and Authority: The ban was implemented on July … Read more
The Civil Society in the Penal System Association (CİSST) has released its “Prisons Map” to facilitate public access to data about prisons in Türkiye. The map is available in Turkish and English. Ill prisoners As of April 2022, there were 1,517 sick prisoners, including 651 critically ill, in Turkey’s prisons, according to the findings of … Read more
There were some debates about “normalization,” but unfortunately, it does not seem applicable to Kurdish politicians. The outcome of the Kobani trial in Turkey resulted in convictions of former pro-Kurdish party officials, including Selahattin Demirtaş, who received more than 40 years in jail for instigating the 2014 Kobanî protests. Prosecutors had initially sought 38 “aggravated … Read more
After a travesty of law, Second-placed candidate to be mandated in Van DEM condemns ‘unlawful’ attempts to oust elected mayor in Van I am pretty sure this is what “they” plan to provoke the opposition to. Let’s see how it goes… With the additional decision given by Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court on 04.04.2023 regarding … Read more
Instead of questioning her in Istanbul, she was taken from her home and sent to Mersin. The alleged crime is that she made an interview with a person under investigation (!). Prof. Sirman is a rare kind of anthropologist with a permanent emphasis on the field. I was stunned when I heard that she learned … Read more
Representation, not for all… Can Atalay loses MP status Despite two rulings from the Constitutional Court declaring a violation of rights, Turkey’s Worker’s Party (TİP) Hatay Deputy Can Atalay, who has not been released, faced a decision from the 3rd Criminal Division of the Court of Cassation, which was announced during the General Assembly of … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
Virtual Madımak Massacre Museum opens The Madımak Massacre Memory Center Virtual Museum opened last night (October 1). The virtual museum can be accessed here with options for listening in Turkish and English, narrated by actor Mehmet Ali Alabora. The digital library, part of the European Alevi Confederation’s Madımak Massacre Memory Center project, was launched on June 10 this year. The library … Read more
As the former Minister of Internal Affairs had an alleged affinity with gangs/mafia, we observe a rise in gang-related activities. I watch lots of Tiktok videos recently glorifying gang members. Two news recently: Police arrest 25 in nationwide op against crime group Six Turkish gang members fatally shot in attack near Athens Here is a … Read more
A few days ago, citizens critical of the government had a new hero: Turkish journalist Afsin Yurdakul leaves Haberturk, a mainstream outlet, with these words: “Without democracy, without the rule of law, without upholding the freedom of expression, journalism cannot breathe. It is our duty to let people breathe.” pic.twitter.com/Lokxk6yYQy — Piotr Zalewski (@p_zalewski) September … Read more
bianet editor Evrim Kepenek detained in police raid on her home update: Five journalists, including bianet editor, detained over ‘retweets,’ investigation reveals In Turkey, conservatives go after a queer volleyball star Anti-refugee rhetoric and the new far-right on Turkish social media Kılıçdaroğlu draws ire from allies after admitting secret deal with anti-refugee leader … Read more