Turkey Weekly 26 January – 31 January 2026
Turkey Today – 31.01.2026
Mithat Sancar, member of the Imralı delegation, stated that the agreement reached between the QSD and Damascus was critical, emphasising that Abdullah Öcalan played an important role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations.
Trucks intended to be sent from Turkey to Kobane are still being blocked.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), one child, 11 women and 12 men lost their lives in January in areas where HTS is present.
Speaking at the ‘Social Peace and Democracy Conference’ organised by the CHP, Chair Özgür Özel stated that they advocate for ‘all identities to live under constitutional protection’ in Syria and that the reconciliation process must be accelerated, adding ‘We categorically reject destructive rhetoric that targets Kurds, undermines their dignity, and seeks to perpetuate the notion that “Kurd equals terrorist”.’
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1088 and reiterated their demand for justice by asking about the fate of Serdar Tanış and Ebubekir Deniz, who disappeared in custody 25 years ago.
Human rights defenders drew attention to the situation of sick prisoners in prisons during weekly protests held in Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that in the new regulation concerning children involved in crime, the discount rates and sentencing would be left to the judge’s discretion according to the nature of the crime.
Turkey Today – 30.01.2026
An agreement has been reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government.
While the siege continues in Kobane, where more than 600,000 people are living without electiricty fuel or water, serious problems have arisen in obtaining medicines.
25 lorries of aid collected by the Amed City Protection Solidarity Platform set off from Diyarbakır to be delivered to Kobane. Lorries are being arbitrarily blocked on the Urfa-Suruç motorway.
Regarding the agreement reached between the QSD and the Damascus government, DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan said, ‘While the knots beyond our borders are being untangled, it is essential to take the initiative in the internal process rather than waiting for regional developments.’
Banners bearing the slogan ‘Jin, jiyan, azadî’ (Woman, life, freedom) and featuring a braided hair design, which had been hung in the Ipekyolu and Tuşba municipalities of Van, were removed by police officers.
Turkey Today – 29.01.2026
Holes were dug into the walls near the Mürşitpınar border gate. As the number of checkpoints in the area increased, the park was converted into a military headquarters.
Following talks between the DEM Party and the Saadet Party, attention was drawn to the ongoing siege in Kobane. Bakırhan called for the opening of the Mürşitpınar Border Gate, while Arıkan called for the establishment of a commission on Syria in Parliament.
DEM Party MP Beritan Güneş Altın stated that the claim of flag-lowering following the torture of a young man named Diyar Koç had no basis in reality, saying it was a deliberate perception operation aimed at legitimising the torture.
The fourth hearing of the trial against Istanbul Bar Association Executive Board Member lawyer Fırat Epözdemir, who is charged with “membership in a terrorist organization”, was held in Istanbul. The court acquitted lawyer Fırat Epözdemir due to lack of evidence.
Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu filed a criminal complaint against CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, accusing him of making ‘false accusations’ against her.
Turkey Today – 28.01.2026
At the final hearing of the trial involving 38 defendants, including 12 lawyers who are members of the ÖHD and members of the now-closed TUAD, numerous individuals were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
In Diyarbakır, police cordoned off the crowd with barricades during a protest against attacks on Rojava.
According to research by the SAMER Field Research Centre, the confidence of those living in the region in the current process is declining.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hakan Fidan described attacks on Iran and the possibility of war as ‘wrong’ and called for negotiations on the nuclear dossier.
Prisoners writing letters from Adana F Type Closed Prison stated that their most basic rights had been effectively removed, reporting that they were unable to exercise their rights to sport and conversation.
Heyva Sor a Kurd Rojava announced that contact was lost with its members Tahir Rakan Tahir while travelling from Raqqa to Hesekê on 18 January.
Sixteen young people who came to Turkey from Europe in solidarity against the attacks on Rojava were deported.
According to a report by the Migrant Refugee Solidarity Network, 317,000 babies whose ASM records were deleted were deprived of vaccinations and developmental monitoring.
Turkey Today – 27.01.2026
A large number of fighter jets took off from the 8th Main Jet Base in Diyarbakır.
The ÖHD, İHD and Mêrdîn Bar Association reported that violence and ill-treatment were used during the protests against the attacks on Rojava, that water was poured on them and they were left waiting in the cold, that they were forced to kiss the flag, and that they were attacked on the basis of their ethnic and political identities.
Six people who were detained during protests in Mersin against the attacks on Rojava and brought before the court have been arrested.
A total of 1,381 citizens signed the Social Initiative for Peace’s campaign entitled ‘Do not attack Rojava, do not touch our Kurdish brothers and sisters, do not make us neighbours with HTŞ’.
The third hearing of the trial against journalist Hakkı Boltan and Delil Zengeralp, who are charged with “making terrorist propaganda” over books displayed at the Aram Publishing stand during the Diyarbakır Book Fair, was held in Diyarbakır. Trial adjourned until April.
Turkey Today – 26.01.2026
Attacks on villages around Kobane continue. A child was killed in the attacks.
The UNHCR Middle East Spokesperson Rola Emin stated that over 100,000 people have been displaced in northern and eastern Syria due to recent clashes and attacks.
CHP Kars MP İnan Akgün Alp brought deaths from starvation and cold in Rojava to the Parliament’s agenda. Alp emphasised that international law requires the special protection of civilians in conflict situations.
At the AKP Central Executive Committee meeting, AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated, ‘A Turkey free of terrorism cannot be separated from a region free of terrorism; the concept of a region free of terrorism cannot be separated from a Turkey free of terrorism.’
The Governor’s Office in Mardin has banned demonstrations and events for five days.
The DEM Party submitted a motion to Parliament calling for an investigation into police violence, detentions, allegations of torture and governorate bans in relation to the protests in North and East Syria.
Nurse İ.A., who was referred to court as part of an investigation launched against her for braiding her hair and sharing it on social media, was released with a ban on leaving the country.
…..
Turkey Weekly 19 – 24 January 2026
Turkey Today – 24.01.2026
It was reported that despite the ceasefire, a child had lost his life and three others had been injured as a result of artillery bombardment by Damascus forces targeting the village of El-Kasimiye, west of Kobani.
Following HTS’s attacks on SDG, access to electricity, water and food was cut off in Kobane and the surrounding area. It was reported that at least five children lost their lives in the freezing cold. Human Rights Association called for urgent action.
The Mardin Health Platform called for the immediate lifting of the blockade on Rojava and for the passage of health supplies, food and medicines to be guaranteed.
A planned march in Adana against the attacks by HTS and affiliated jihadist forces on Rojava was blocked by the police.
Three young people who were beaten by police officers in a café in Cizre district of Şırnak were arrested.
Turkey Today – 23.01.2026
Access to basic necessities has been completely cut off in Kobane as a result of the siege. The Kurdish Red Crescent announced that five children have lost their lives in the city due to freezing temperatures and lack of medicine.
Journalist Can Dündar emphasised that if there was a defeat in Rojava, it was the Kurds’ defeat against Sharia law, stating, ‘Even though the wind is blowing in the opposite direction at the moment, Turkey’s way out is not to unite with Al-Qaeda but to stand in solidarity with the Kurds.’
A crowd gathered in Istanbul to protest HTŞ and affiliated jihadist forces’ attacks on Rojava was dispersed by police. DEM Party MP Celal Fırat, who was beaten by police, was taken to hospital.
Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Bahçetepe stated that despite being detained for eight months, no indictment had been prepared against him.
Disciplinary investigations have been launched against university students who participated in protests in Kocaeli on the 100th day of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s detention.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1087 and demanded justice for Ayşenur Şimşek, who was murdered on 28 January 1995.
Turkey Today – 22.01.2026
The Parliament published the full minutes of the meeting held by three members of parliament with Abdullah Öcalan on Imrali Island.
The final hearing in the case against Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who has been replaced by a trustee, was held in Silivri. Ahmet Özer was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison.
Diyar Koç, who was seriously injured as a result of torture during protests in Nusaybin, was discharged from hospital under pressure from the police despite showing signs of internal bleeding, and was subsequently referred to the public prosecutor’s office.
Eight people, including Musa Bendaş from the Human Rights Association (ÖHD), were detained in Adana on the grounds that they had participated in demonstrations in support of Rojava.
DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan stated that the methods used to suppress the reactions to the attack on Rojava, such as detention, beating, torture, ill-treatment, access restrictions and bans, had been used before but had failed to suppress the reactions.
Three digital media accounts operated by Mezopotamya Agency on the social media platform X have been blocked for the third time within two weeks.
Arrests made in Van in connection with protests against attacks on Rojava were protested.
Turkey Today – 21.01.2026
The Diyarbakır Governor’s Office has banned a rally planned for 25 January in Diyarbakır’s Station Square, organised by the DEM Party, calling for ‘freedom for Abdullah Öcalan’.
Cihan Aydın, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), warned that the ongoing attacks against Kurds carry the risk of leading to genocide, stating, “A ceasefire must not be a tactical argument; the focus must be on achieving lasting peace.”
A delegation comprising representatives from the DEM Party and various institutions continued their visits in Rojava. DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları called on the guarantor countries and Turkey to ‘contribute to peace.’
In Van, the attacks by HTŞ on Rojava were protested at the call of the Democratic Institutions Platform. Police intervened against the crowd attempting to march to Kent Park, and two people were detained.
The X account of Ajansa Welat, which broadcasts in Kurdish, has been blocked.
The fifth hearing of the trial against journalists Mehmet Aslan, Esra Solin Dal, and Erdoğan Alayumat on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization” was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until April.
At the hearing of the case concerning Hatay and the Özkan Gold City Blocks, where 97 people lost their lives, the defendants’ lawyers objected to the expert report; the families’ lawyers requested separate trials for each block.
Turkey Today – 21.01.2026
The Human Rights Association (İHD) and numerous Bar Associations made an urgent appeal to the UN, demanding an investigation into the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the attacks on Rojava and the prosecution of those responsible.
The Syrian transitional government had cut off Kobanê’s electricity and water supply the day before. Today, the internet has been completely cut off.
Eight people were detained during a march in Viranşehir district of Urfa against the attacks on Rojava.
JinNews has once again been blocked by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) on the grounds of ‘protecting national security and public order’. Access to JinNews’s social media accounts has also been blocked on the same grounds.
Access to three digital media accounts of the Mesopotamia Agency and its news site has been blocked.
Turkey Today – 20.01.2026
As attacks on North and East Syria continue, numerous warplanes took off from the 8th Main Jet Base in Amed.
There is Turkish drone activity west of Kobane.
In Mardin’s Nusaybin district, a large group of demonstrators overcame a police barricade and set off toward the Qamishlo Border Gate, protesting the ongoing attacks on North and East Syria.
The Humanity Vigil launched by the Ankara branch of the Human Rights Association against the attacks was held for Alevis on its second day. During the vigil, a call was made for solidarity with the Kurds resisting the HTŞ attacks.
Thirteen political parties and organisations issued a joint statement regarding the attacks on Rojava, stating, ‘The Damascus regime aims to perpetuate its authoritarian rule through conflict, fear and violence.’
Turkey Today – 19.01.2026
Police intervened against a crowd gathered in Van to protest the attacks on North and East Syria. . Van Metropolitan Municipality Co-mayors Neslihan Şedal and Abdullah Zeydan, who had been replaced by trustees, and numerous other individuals were detained.
Police attacked a crowd, including MPs, ahead of a planned demonstration in Diyarbakır in support of North and East Syria.
The Ankara Labour and Democracy Forces, commemorating the murdered journalist Hrant Dink, drew attention to the fact that the murder was committed with the knowledge of the state.
MHP Chair Feti Yıldız claimed that the attacks on Northern and Eastern Syria would have a positive impact on the process.
It has emerged that prior to the Gar Massacre, in which 103 people lost their lives, the Directorate General of Counter-Terrorism failed to send critical intelligence information to the Security Branch Directorate, which was responsible for providing security at the rally where the massacre took place.
Access to three digital media accounts of the Mezopotamya Agency broadcasting on the X platform has been blocked at the request of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
….
Turkey Weekly 12 – 18 January 2026
Turkey Today – 18.01.2026
In yesterday’s meeting with the Imrali delegation, Abdullah Öcalan reacted to the attacks on Rojava and described this situation as an attempt to sabotage the Peace and Democratic Society Process.
The President of the Syrian Interim Government, Ahmed El Shara, announced a ceasefire and integration agreement reached with Mazlum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). No statement has yet been issued by the SDF.
Three children were arrested in Van during protests against attacks on Northern and Eastern Syria on the grounds that they were ‘spreading propaganda for an organisation’.
Devlet Bahçeli, who claimed that the SDG had three options, called on the SDG to dissolve itself and accept central authority, stating, ‘Otherwise, the pressure will increase.’
Turkey Today – 17.01.2026
The DEM Party Imrali Delegation travelled to Imrali Island to meet with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan.
Relatives of the missing and human rights defenders demanded justice for Hrant Dink and Abdullah Canan in demonstrations held in three cities.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1086 and demanded punishment for the perpetrators of Abdullah Canan, who was detained in Hakkari 30 years ago and subsequently murdered.
The DEM Party Women’s Assembly reacted to the release on bail of Yasin Çakmak, a presidential bodyguard accused of attempted murder against his wife, and demanded his arrest.
The Istanbul Labour, Peace and Democracy Forces protested the attacks by HTŞ and Turkey-backed paramilitary groups.
Legal organisations commenting on the murder of Ali Aydın, a member of the Human Rights Association (İHD), called for ‘an effective, impartial investigation to shed light on all aspects of Ali Aydın’s murder.’
Turkey Today – 16.01.2026
U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack met with Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. In a message released after the meeting, Barrack said that the parties are working towards reintegration.
Fifteen people were arrested during house raids in Adana and Istanbul.
Women and journalists who wanted to observe the hearing of a sexual harassment case involving children working in Parliament were prevented from entering the courtroom by a police cordon.
The first hearing of the lawsuit filed to annul the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s decision declaring the film Rojbash, produced and directed by Özkan Küçük, as “unsuitable for commercial circulation and screening” was held in Ankara. The presiding judge stated that the decision would be delivered in writing, and the hearing was concluded.
Citizens who took part in a march organised in Rize at the call of the CHP regarding increases to the minimum wage and pension payments emphasised that they wanted a living wage, not charity.
At the hearing of the trial in which politicians, including the co-mayors of Akdeniz Municipality, were being tried, all judicial control measures against the politicians were lifted.
Turkey Today – 15.01.2026
Meeting with media representatives, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, ‘The SDF issue continues to be a problem. Our hope is that the 10 March Agreement will be implemented as soon as possible to bring stability to the country. When problems cannot be resolved through dialogue, I see the use of force as an option on behalf of the Syrian government.’
Ten people, including two children, were detained in Adana and Mersin for protesting the attacks on northern and eastern Syria.
Sefa Yılmaz, President of the İzmir Bar Association, stated that the suspect in the murder of Ali Aydın, board member of the Human Rights Association (İHD) in İzmir, had been arrested.
The second hearing of the trial against Nimet Tanrıkulu, one of the founders of the Human Rights Association (İHD), on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization,” was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until March.
The first hearing of the trial against Zafer Arapkirli, who is charged with “inciting hatred and hostility” and “publicly spreading misleading information” over a post he shared on social media platform X, was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until February.
The second hearing of the trial against Hüseyin Baş, Chair of the Independent Turkey Party (BTP), on charges of “insulting the president” was held in Istanbul. The court ruled that the remarks directed at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan fell within the scope of “harsh criticism and a coarse tone,” and acquitted Baş.
General director of Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT has announced that a new documentary titled Gökkuşağı Faşizmi (“Rainbow Fascism”) will premiere on TRT’s digital platform tabii on Jan 18.
The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has issued five separate sanctions against Show TV and NOW TV channels, as well as the Disney+ and Spotify platforms.
Turkey Today – 14.01.2026
It has been reported that a Turkish Bayraktar-type drone bombed the town of Meskene in Tabqa twice.
The Constitutional Court rejected the claim that Abdülkadir Eken, who had two ribs broken during a police raid and spent two months in hospital, had been tortured, arguing that there was no evidence to confirm this. However, it ruled that there had been a procedural violation because the allegation had not been investigated.
Lawyer Ali Aydın, former co-chair of the İzmir branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD), was found dead today in İzmir. The Karşıyaka Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office imposed a restriction order on the investigation.
A release order has been issued for Peace Academician Aslı Aydemir, who was arrested for protesting the attack on LeMan magazine.
Prosecutor Muhammed Çağatay Kılıçaslan, who attempted to murder female judge Aslı Kahraman, has been arrested.
Lawyer Rezan Epözdemir, who was arrested on 14 August as part of two separate investigations on charges of ‘bribery’ and ‘political and military espionage’, has been released on bail.
Turkey Today – 13.01.2026
The KCK strongly criticised Turkey’s policies following the attack on Aleppo. The KCK stated that the attack on Aleppo was aimed at breaking the ceasefire, warning that the process was being sabotaged and that the attacks would not be limited to Aleppo.
The team drafting the report of the parliamentary commission met with Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş at his Office for the third time.
Speaking before the Commission Writing Team meeting, MHP member Feti Yıldız said, ‘From our perspective, there is no objection to the reinstatement of Ahmet Özer and Ahmet Türk.’
The trial concerning the killing of Seyithan Durdu, who lost his life as a result of gunfire opened by soldiers, was held at the Van 1st High Criminal Court. Trial adjourned until April.
Journalists Barış Pehlivan, Seda Selek, Serhan Asker, Suat Toktaş, and Kürşad Oğuz have gone on trial at Istanbul’s 54th Criminal Court of First Instance on charges of “listening to and recording conversations held in public between individuals.” Trial adjourned until February.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced in June that the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, would be added to Turkey’s national immunization program by the end of the year. However, no concrete steps have been taken since the announcement.
Turkey Today – 12.01.2026
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that the Tishreen Dam and its surroundings were targeted by artillery fire from groups affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government and that Turkish warplanes were also conducting intensive flights in the area.
Nubihar Özdemir, a prisoner at Sincan Women’s Prison, stated that she was beaten and returned without treatment for reacting to the gendarmerie entering the examination room during a medical examination.
The first issue of Kurdish newspaper Azadiya Welat has been published after 10 years. The newspaper has resumed publication after regaining its name rights.
Eğitim Sen demanded the reinstatement of all dismissed employees, particularly the Peace Academics, whose dismissals occurred over 10 years ago.
The lawsuit filed against the quarry operated by Cengiz İnşaat in İkizdere district was concluded after five years, and following the completion of work in the valley, a decision to ‘cancel’ the project was issued.
The trial of those who were detained for taking part in a protest against a conference at Boğaziçi University that Nurettin Yıldız was scheduled to attend, as well as of T24 reporter Can Öztürk was held in Istanbul.
…
Turkey Weekly 5 – 11 January 2026
Turkey Today – 11.01.2026
In a joint statement by 12 left-wing and socialist parties, including the DBP, EMEP, DEM and the Green Left Party, a call was made for an immediate end to HTŞ’s attacks on Kurds and other peoples in Aleppo and for a solution based on equality among peoples.
Erhan Akyılmaz, co-chair of the KATDER Association was arrested last night as part of an investigation launched by the Suruç Prosecutor’s Office into a press statement made in the Suruç district of Urfa against the attacks on the Şêxmeqsûd and Eşrefiyê neighbourhoods of Aleppo.
Following previous tree felling and attempts to expand the mining area in the Akbelen region of Muğla’s Milas district, 679 parcels of agricultural land surrounding the Akbelen Forest, including olive groves, were urgently expropriated by presidential decree to enable production to continue in the lignite mining concession area.
President Erdoğan said they had not achieved the desired results in population policies, adding, ‘Developments are not good; even those closest to us are against having children.’
Turkey Today – 10.01.2026
The Syrian Democratic Forces announced that a Turkish drone had attacked their positions, stating that ‘this demonstrates Turkey’s determination to play a direct military role in Syria.’
The Women’s Rally, organised at the call of 60 different women’s organisations, was held in Ankara under the slogan ‘We stand together for our rights, our lives and our freedom’.
Four members of youth organisations protesting in Istanbul against the Syrian Transitional Government’s attacks on Kurds in Aleppo have been arrested.
The KESK Diyarbakır Branches Platform issued a statement calling for compliance with court rulings to reinstate those dismissed under the Decree-Law.
The Prison Commission of the Istanbul Branch of the Human Rights Association drew attention to the condition of sick prisoner Resul Baltacı during the 720th week of the ‘F sit-in’ protest.
Turkey Today – 09.01.2026
The DEM Party Imralı Delegation is preparing to request a meeting with President Erdoğan.
During a protest rally against the attacks on Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo, police brutality and arrests took place at Istanbul University.
Following the acquittal of Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu and members of the Board of Directors, Kaboğlu, assessing the prosecutor’s appeal, said, ‘It shows that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is acting with a particular animosity.’
‘The NATO concept has collapsed. The threat of total war is closer than ever before,’ said MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın, adding that Turkey should launch its own nuclear weapons programme.
CHP Chair Özgür Özel met with the 23 provincial chairmen from Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia in Ankara to listen to their suggestions and expectations regarding the process.
DEM Party Batman MP Zeynep Oduncu stated that the attacks against Kurds in Aleppo have affected discussions on resolution and normalisation in Turkey, emphasising that lasting peace is only possible through regional, consistent and dialogue-based politics.
Turkey Today – 08.01.2026
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said regarding the attacks on Kurds in Aleppo, ‘We do not hesitate to intervene directly when necessary.’
In a statement regarding the attacks on Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo, the Co-Presidency of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) stated that such attacks are a sabotage to the dialogue process.
CHP Deputy Group Chair Gökhan Günaydın stated that they were following the attacks and developments in Aleppo with great concern, saying that this was a matter of democracy and human rights.
Demonstrations organized in many cities condemning the attacks in Aleppo and declaring: “If there are attacks in Aleppo, there can be no peace in Turkey.”
Access to the X accounts of the Mesopotamia Agency has been blocked at the request of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority.
The fifth hearing of the trial against journalist Nilay Can, Dinçer Gökçe, Veysi Dündar, and lawyer İrem Çiçek, who are accused of “disinformation” under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code due to their reporting on the “Yenidoğan gang prosecutor,” was held in Istanbul.
Turkey Today – 07.01.2026
A motion by the DEM party to investigate possible IS structures in Turkey failed in parliament. Due to insufficient attendance, no vote could be taken.
Turkey Today – 06.01.2026
In response to a call from Social Initiative for Peace, 326 citizens submitted a petition to Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, opposing any potential military intervention in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and calling for dialogue and diplomacy to be prioritised.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Syrian Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Shaybani in Paris.
Selahattin Demirtaş was sentenced to one year, five months and 15 days in prison on charges of ‘insulting the President’.
Representatives from the CHP, MHP, AKP, DEM Party and New Path Group held a two-hour meeting to discuss the joint report of the process commission.
Referring to the ongoing process, MİT President İbrahim Kalın said, ‘This process strengthens our internal front while also laying the foundations for a new regional geopolitics.’
The first hearing of the trial against journalist Barış Pehlivan, filed upon a complaint by Court of Cassation member Yüksel Kocaman on charges of “defamation” and “insult,” was held in İstanbul. Due to a change of judge, the case was taken under review. Trial adjourned until September.
Turkey Today – 05.01.2026
The trial of Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu and board members, who are facing charges of “terror propaganda” and “spreading misleading information” over the bar’s statement regarding journalists killed in Syria, was held in İstanbul. The trial is expected to continue until Friday.
İhsan Oral, a prisoner held at Kırıkkale F-Type Prison, stated that he had been tortured by prison guards and the prison director, and reported that the director had threatened him by referring to recent ‘suicide’ allegations at the prison.
Cansu Çifçi, the lawyer representing Tayfun Kahraman, who has been receiving MS treatment at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty since 2 January, stated that her client had experienced loss of strength in one leg, adding, ‘There is a risk of paralysis.’
An opinion was submitted requesting that Şehriban Şeker, who was tried for her interview with Gülistan Doku and Rojin Kabaiş, be sentenced to imprisonment.
Twenty-three of the 26 individuals subject to arrest warrants in an investigation targeting prominent figures in four provinces centred on Istanbul have been detained.