Turkey Weekly 30 – 31 March 2026
Turkey Today – 31.03.2026
Baran Eman, a prisoner at Carsamba S-Type Closed Prison, described the human rights violations he and others are subjected to during his weekly telephone call with his family and called on human rights organisations to take action.
The 15th hearing in the case against Prof. Dr. Şebnem Korur Fincancı, Erol Önderoğlu, and Ahmet Nesin, who are on trial for supporting the Özgür Gündem “Editors-in-Chief on Watch” campaign, was held in İstanbul. Trial adjourned until September.
The assets of Özkan Yalım, the detained Mayor of Uşak, have been seized.
The two year and six month prison sentence handed down to police officer Selahattin Korkmaz, who killed Şahin Öner by running him over with an armoured vehicle, has been appealed to the Court of Appeal for the third time. The appeal states that the verdict was reached without taking into account the established evidence in the case file, witness statements, and hospital and forensic reports, and asserts that the offence was committed intentionally.
The lawyers for the detained journalist Alican Uludağ have submitted a petition to the 26th Istanbul Criminal Court of First Instance, requesting both the return of the indictment and the release of their client.
Turkey Today – 30.03.2026
Eleven political parties issued a joint statement calling for legal steps to be taken within the scope of the process. The statement invited all segments of society to unite in a common struggle to make peace permanent.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has filed a lawsuit seeking 500,000 lira in damages for emotional distress against CHP leader Özgür Özel over remarks he made at his party’s rally in Kuşadası.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that an investigation had been launched into İmamoğlu over statements he made in his defence during the expert witness case.
The Ministry of Education has fined ARSÎSA Language, Culture and Arts Research Association which provides education in Kurdish, 400,000 TL on the grounds that it was conducting unauthorised educational activities. The Children’s Rights and Memory Commission of the Istanbul branch of the Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) announced that at least 7 children were arrested for attending Newroz celebrations, and that some were subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
A case has been brought against the detained journalist Alican Uludağ, with the prosecution seeking a prison sentence of up to nine years and eight months.
…
Turkey Today – 29.03.2026
The release of ill prisoners, one of the key issues of the Dialogue Process, continues to be ignored by the government. Nazlı Turan, Co-spokesperson of the IHD Prison Commission, stated that relevant institutions, particularly the Justice Ministry must take action.
In a written question submitted to the Parliament Speaker, CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu put seven questions to Justice Minister Akın Gürlek concerning rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court, the judicial system, the right to a defence, and the legal profession.
The Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office appealed against the decision to dismiss the case against human rights defender Nimet Tanrıkulu, who had been charged for participating in the 2012 Newroz celebrations; the decision was overturned and a new case was brought against Tanrıkulu on the same charges.
International press organisations have condemned the increasing pressure on journalists in Turkey and called for the release of detained journalists.
Turkey Today – 28.03.2026
Eren Abaş and E.K., who were detained and subjected to torture following the Istanbul Newroz celebrations, were released without even having their statements taken. In the criminal complaint filed by the young men, who obtained medical reports from the hospital at their own expense, it was stated that the violence they were subjected to lasted for an hour.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1096 demanded to know the fate of İlyas Eren, who was disappeared whilst in custody 29 years ago.
Mezopotamya Agency’s (MA) Kurdish Instagram account has been closed.
Devlet Bahçeli stated that the resignation of his deputy chairman, İzzet Ulvi Yönter, was not due to a falling-out but rather to his academic commitments; he denied claims of a rift within the MHP.
A rupture in a crude oil pipeline in the Cizre district of Şırnak has caused an environmental disaster. As a result of the spill, tonnes of oil have entered the Tigris River, covering its surface with a layer of oil.
Turkey Today – 27.03.2026
Members of the DEM Party’s Imrali delegation held a meeting with Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı prison island.
At least 26 people were detained during raids carried out in Istanbul this morning, whilst at least 20 young people were detained during house raids in Şırnak.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against 10 people at Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Meanwhile, the Sabah and Yeni Şafak newspapers have singled out Mayor Mansur Yavaş.
With the start of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality case, further operations were launched against CHP-run municipalities. Operations were carried out against the municipalities of Uşak, Ankara and Kocaeli.
Following posts on social media claiming that sirens had sounded at Incirlik, sources from the Ministry of National Defence issued a statement saying, “There has been no attack or adverse situation. It is believed to have been a false alarm.”
The second hearing in the case filed against singer Fatih Karaca, known as Mabel Matiz, on the charge of “obscenity” over the lyrics of his song “Perperişan,” was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until April.
Turkey Today – 26.03.2026
The sixth hearing in the case against human rights activist Nimet Tanrıkulu, brought on charges of “membership of an organisation”, has begun in Istanbul. The court lifted the requirement for Tanrıkulu to sign in regularly, but ruled that the ban on her leaving the country should remain in place.
Human rights activists, speaking in Istanbul and many other provinces, have called for the release of the seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam, highlighting the deterioration in his health.
The concert to be given by the artist İlkay Akkaya in Kastamonu has been cancelled following calls on social media to target her.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that the house arrest of Medyascope reporter Furkan Karabay, who was detained on 23 January on charges of “publicly disseminating misleading information”, has been lifted.
Turkey Today – 25.03.2026
During a raid on a home in Siirt early this morning, a man named Mehmet Salih Aslan was beaten and taken into custody. Twenty-five people were detained during house raids carried out in the Tatvan and Ahlat districts of Bitlis.
A hearing was held in connection with the application by Osman Kavala, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with aggravating circumstances in the Gezi Park case, at the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
The trial of 402 people, 106 of whom are in custody, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, on charges of ‘corruption’ is ongoing.
As the Turkish teachers’ strike continues at the Private Italian High School in Beyoğlu, İstanbul, the District Education Directorate has appointed new teachers to the school, which the union views as an attempt to break the strike.
The Istanbul Branch of the Lawyers Association ÖHD highlighted the ‘chain of negligence’ leading to the death of the ailing prisoner Mehmet Edip Taşar, emphasising the need for urgent action to secure the release of seriously ill prisoners.
DEM Party MP Heval Bozdağ submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministry of Justice and a petition to the Chair of the Human Rights Investigation Commission of the Parliament regarding the serious problems faced by prisoners at Ağrı Patnos L-Type Prison in accessing their basic rights to life and health.
Turkey Today – 24.03.2026
A total of 170 people were detained across 15 provinces on allegations of “spreading organisational propaganda” and “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911” before and after the Newroz celebrations.
Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Edip Taşar, who had not been released, has lost his life.
A court has awarded a total of 150,000 TL in damages in the defamation and insult case brought by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek against CHP Leader Özgür Özel and CHP MP Murat Emir. The Minister announced the ruling during Özel’s speech at a group meeting.
The third hearing in the case filed against LeMan magazine cartoonist Doğan Pehlevan on the charge of “insulting the President” was held in Istanbul. The court lifted the signature requirement but ruled that the travel ban will remain in place. Trial adjourned until July.
At the trial of Edip K, who is on trial for the offence of systematically sexually abusing his child, the court rejected the request for his detention.
Turkey Today – 23.03.2026
Whilst 25 of the 26 people detained during Newroz have been released, it has been reported that a person from Roava is being held at the Istanbul Foreigners’ Branch Directorate.
Following the arrest of Kuşadası Mayor Ömer Günel, CHP member Tahsin Demirtaş was elected deputy mayor in a vote held by the council.
Geothermal energy projects planned for Varto are on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. DEM Party MP Celal Fırat questioned Minister Bayraktar about the local community’s objections and potential environmental risks.
DEM Party MP Serhat Eren has submitted a motion to Parliament calling for an investigation into the environmental, agricultural and public health impacts of the expanding shale oil projects in Diyarbakır and the surrounding area.
An indictment has been drawn up against İnan Güney, the Mayor of Beyoğlu, who is currently in custody. A 35-year prison sentence has been sought for Güney.
…
Turkey Weekly 16 – 22 March 2026
Turkey Today – 22.03.2026
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the Newroz celebrations in İstanbul. DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları said in her speech: “May the history of resistance and struggle of Newroz bear witness that we will build a Democratic Republic together in this region, in this country.”
A young man was attempted to be detained at the Istanbul Newroz celebrations. A scuffle broke out between the police and MPs. DEM Party MP Mahmut Dindar suffered a cut to his hand.
Tuğçenur Özbay, a detainee at Şakran Prison whose most basic rights have been restricted on the grounds that she refuses to accept the ‘detainee ID card’ scheme, has been on hunger strike for 53 days.
The Ministry of National Defence (MSB) has released the identities of a member of the Turkish Armed Forces and two technicians employed by ASELSAN who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Qatar.
Turkey Today – 21.03.2026
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır. Leyla Zana, winner of the Sakharov Prize, criticized the government for ignoring Kurdish demands, saying: “The people want to see and hear their leader, Abdullah Öcalan, in Amed.”
As part of the family and lawyer visits at Imrali, Abdullah Öcalan met with his brother Mehmet Öcalan and his nephew Ali Öcalan, as well as lawyers Raziye Öztürk, İbrahim Bilmez and Cengiz Yürekli from the Asrın Law Office.
The Initiative for the Freedom of Sick Prisoners and the Prisoners’ Commission of the Istanbul Branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) called for the release of the sick prisoners Mecit Baştaş and Devrim Ayık through their protests.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1095. At this week’s protest, demands were made for the perpetrators of the murder of Hasan Ocak—who was tortured to death after being detained 31 years ago—to be brought to justice.
BirGün reporter İsmail Arı was detained on charges of ‘publicly disseminating misleading information’.
Turkey Today – 20.03.2026
International trade unions have condemned the arrest of Mehmet Türkmen, General Secretary of BİRTEK-SEN. The unions emphasised that it is unacceptable for occupational health and safety and employer accountability to be treated as criminal offences.
Sirens were heard at Incirlik Air Base in Adana. The Ministry of National Defence issued a statement saying, ‘It is believed to have been a false alarm.’
MHP chair Devlet Bahçeli said that significant steps would be taken in the period following the holiday to build a “new and strong Turkey”.
The Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) has fined Amedspor 110,000 TL for alleged pitch incidents during the match against Manisa.
Turkey Today – 19.03.2026
The compensation paid to the family of Sarıgül Tüylü, who lost her life in the Ankara Station massacre, is now being reclaimed with interest following a new ruling by the Council of State.
Şimel Çam, daughter of seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam, said after visiting him: “My father cannot stand. At times, he experiences memory loss and does not recognize us.”
The three people released yesterday in the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality case have been re-arrested following an appeal by the public prosecutor’s office.
Of the 35 young people detained whilst attempting to march at the “Standing up for the will of the people” rally organised by the CHP in Saraçhane, Istanbul, 31 were released and four were taken to court. Two of those taken to court were remanded in custody.
The Human Rights Association (İHD) and the Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights (ÖHD) have called for an investigation into allegations of torture and violations of the right to health against Devrim Ayık, a sick prisoner held at Antalya S-Type Closed Prison.
Turkey Today – 18.03.2026
The Lawyers Association ÖHD, reacting to the fact that the ECHR ruling on the violation of rights concerning Abdullah Öcalan has not been implemented for 12 years, called for the ruling to be implemented in keeping with the spirit of the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled against Turkey in the case of Ceyda Sungur, an academic and urban planner who was sprayed with tear gas at close range by police during the Gezi Park protests in 2013.
DEM Party MP Newroz Uysal Aslan has lodged a complaint with the Parliament’s Human Rights Investigation Commission regarding the nine-month postponement of Adem Oktay’s release from Karabük T-Type Prison. Uysal stated that the postponement of the release had been turned into a punitive measure.
At a press conference held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the IHD Migrant and Refugee Solidarity Network called for the effective implementation of international conventions on combating racial discrimination.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has denied Özgür Özel’s allegations regarding his assets. Gürlek stated that he owns four properties, arguing that the documents in question are forged.
Turkey Today – 17.03.2026
A motion to lift the parliamentary immunity of four MPs, including CHP chair Özgür Özel and Ali Mahir Başarır, has been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
CHP Deputy Chair Sezgin Tanrıkulu submitted a parliamentary question to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly regarding the Council of State’s decision to examine the merits of the case concerning the appointment of Akın Gürlek, former Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, as Minister of Justice.
Baran Tink, an employee of Yeni Yaşam newspaper, stated that whilst he was delivering newspapers in Bornova, İzmir, he was stopped by two men who identified themselves as police officers, threatened, and pressured into becoming an informant.
Calls have been made for the reinstatement of Dr Ayşe Uğurlu, a member of the ATO Board of Directors, who was first dismissed from her civil service post and then faced legal proceedings on charges of ‘insulting the President’ for reading out a statement organised by the Ankara Women’s Platform in Van.
A case has been brought against Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of up to three years on charges of blackmailing a municipal employee. Turkey Today – 16.03.2026
Selahattin Korkmaz, the police officer who killed Şahin Öner (19) by running him over with an armoured vehicle in Diyarbakır on 10 February 2013, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for the offence of “causing death by negligence”.
The Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court, which is hearing the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality case, has requested that restrictions be imposed on individuals due to appear at the sixth hearing, scheduled for tomorrow. The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has accepted the request.
Abdurrahman Tunç, Hasan Hüseyin Tunç and Kemal Altuner, who are alleged to have verbally and physically harassed 16-year-old İ.C.K. in Mersin and forced her into prostitution, were released by the public prosecutor’s office despite the existence of an audio recording.
The Turkish Embassy in Damascus has announced that all border crossings between Turkey and Syria will be closed to passenger and commercial traffic during Eid al-Fitr.
Ecologists and local residents, who claim that the solid waste facility located in the İlküvez Plateau in the Çaybaşı district of Ordu is causing serious environmental damage, have stated that water leaking from the facility is mixing with streams, rendering the drinking water unusable.
…
Turkey Weekly 9 – 15 March 2026
Turkey Today – 15.03.2026
A second wave of operations has been carried out as part of the investigation into Mersin Metropolitan Municipality; it has been reported that a large number of people have been detained.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin took aim at CHP Leader Özgür Özel with the following words: ‘This chap must be a bit slow on the uptake… I don’t know which end of the stick he’s grasping.’
A press conference was held in Istanbul to protest against the planned geothermal power plant (GPP) project, which is to be built within the boundaries of the village of Çallıdere in the Varto district of Muş and will affect 16 villages.
Turkey Today – 14.03.2026
In the case brought against the appointment of Akın Gürlek to the Ministry of Justice, the 12th Chamber of the Council of State did not dismiss the application and decided to examine the case on its merits.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1094 demanded justice and sought information regarding the fate of Yusuf Erişti, who was disappeared whilst in custody 35 years ago.
The ‘White March’ launched by the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) in Diyarbakır on 11 March has come to an end in Ankara. In a statement, it was emphasised that doctors would not accept such a healthcare system, with the statement adding: ‘We want to see the value of our work and our profession.’
Turkey Today – 13.03.2026
The presiding judge stated that it had been established that Mehmet Nurbaki Göçmez, the special operations police officer wanted on a red notice for the murder of 12-year-old Nihan Kazan, was abroad, but did not provide any details regarding the incident.
Bekir Altun, one of the eight individuals elected to the Supreme Court, is known for having requested a ban on access to news reports alleging bribery within the judiciary during his tenure as Chair of the Istanbul Judicial Commission.
DEM Party MPs have requested an urgent investigation by the Parliamentary Human Rights Investigation Commission into the health condition and prison conditions of the seriously ill prisoner Abdurrahim Demir.
The Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has decided not to prosecute Uğur Ökdemir, News Editor of the Bursa Muhalif Newspaper, in connection with an investigation launched over a programme broadcast on Muhalif TV.
CHP Leader Özgür Özel criticised the Trump administration in a speech he delivered at the Socialist International Presidium Meeting: “We are faced with an administration that disregards rules and the law.”
Turkey Today – 12.03.2026
The bodies of 16 people who lost their lives during the curfews in Mardin’s Nusaybin district have still not been returned to their families, despite a decade having passed.
In the Grand National Assembly, a motion for a general debate on the live broadcasting by TRT of the hearings known to the public as the ‘Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Case’ was rejected by the votes of the AKP and MHP.
The summary of the briefing given by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Defence on developments in the Middle East on 10 March was read out in a closed session in the parliament.
The 8 March report by the Women’s Commission of the Antalya Branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) stated that the intensive searches, identity checks and confiscation of banners targeting members of the DEM Party Women’s Assembly constituted a violation of freedom of assembly and expression and the prohibition of discrimination.
MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli stated that caution should be exercised as the process progresses, adding, ‘We have no right to waste time with empty talk.’
A release order has been issued for journalist Enver Aysever, who faced up to three years in prison for comments made in a video shared on his social media account.
Turkey Today – 11.03.2026
IHD board member Eren Keskin criticized the parliamentary commission, stating that decisions of the Constitutional Court of Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) should have been implemented immediately when the report was announced.
The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has launched a march from Diyarbakır to Ankara in protest against the collapse of the healthcare system and harsh working conditions.
Doğukan Mağol, a member of the Youth Communes who was arrested during protests against the attacks on Aleppo, has begun a hunger strike in protest against camera surveillance in his cell at Silivri L-Type Prison.
In Diyarbakır, charges have been brought against filmmaker Rojhilat Aksoy for organising the screening of the animated film Aurora’s Sunrise about the Armenian genocide.
CHP Adana MP Müzeyyen Şevkin brought the issue to the Parliament’s agenda, stating that while violence against women is increasing and the number of women’s shelters needs to be increased, the number remains below the targets.
Turkey Today – 10.03.2026
Community Peacemaker Teams member Kameran Osman stated that Turkey had established a new checkpoint in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and was constructing roads between military bases.
MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli has criticized US and Israeli strategies in the Iran conflict saying “Those who try to deploy our Kurdish brothers to the battlefield, those making plans to collapse Iran from within—Kurds will not and must not become mercenaries for any of them.”
The first hearing in the trial of 36 people detained during the 11th Istanbul Trans Pride March held in Acıbadem on 22 June 2025 was held in İstanbul. Trial adjourned until 12 March.
It has been reported that eight people, including a police commissioner and two police officers, were detained in a drug operation in Hakkari.
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the sharing of footage taken in the courtroom during the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality trial on social media.
Turkey Today – 09.03.2026
President Erdoğan stated after the cabinet meeting, ‘Regarding the ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace, I would like to remind you that it is important not to persist in error and stubbornness.’
The US has suspended consular services at its mission in southeastern Turkey and ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families, citing growing regional security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
The trial of 402 people, including Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, 106 of whom are in custody, has begun. The request to dismiss the judge was rejected, and the first hearing of the trial has concluded. The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into CHP leader Özgür Özel on its own initiative, accusing him of ‘insulting’ the court panel following statements he made after the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality trial.
The suspension period for Adana’s elected Mayor Zeydan Karalar has been extended by two months. Karalar was expected to be reinstated to his position.
..
Turkey Weekly 2 – 7 March 2026
Turkey Today – 07.03.2026
Alevi organisations held a rally in Hatay’s Samandağ district under the slogan ‘Stop the genocide in Syria’. Speaking at the rally, DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları said, ‘The only solution in Syria is a democratic Syrian Republic. Similarly, this prescription applies to the entire Middle East region.’
Hülya Ayık, the mother of Devrim Ayık, a prisoner with a 76 per cent disability, said that when her son, whose eye condition was worsening, was taken to hospital, the doctor refused to treat him, saying, ‘I’m not treating you, I’m not referring you, get out.’
The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that certain roads around Beyoğlu will be closed to traffic from 2 p.m. tomorrow due to events marking International Working Women’s Day on 8 March.
CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu submitted a parliamentary question to Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş regarding the number of cases of violence against women, shelters, financial support and the impact of the Istanbul Convention.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1093 and demanded on the occasion of International Women’s Day that the fate of women who disappeared while in custody be revealed.
An announcement was made in Çallıdere village against the geothermal power plant project in Varto, which is said to affect 16 villages. The announcement stated, ‘All geothermal power plant projects planned in Varto and the environmental impact assessment processes must be cancelled immediately.’
Turkey Today – 06.03.2026
Prisoners at Dumlu Prison stated that they were unable to meet their daily drinking water needs and that their complaints about this had been rejected.
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s appeal against the dismissal of his lawsuit challenging the revocation of his bachelor’s degree has been concluded. The Istanbul Regional 7th Administrative Court of Appeal rejected the request to suspend the execution of its decision.
The fourth hearing in the trial of former TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan and High Advisory Council (YİK) Chair Ömer Aras was held in Istanbul. The court sentenced both Turan and Aras to 1 year, 3 months and 18 days in prison for “publicly disseminating misleading information.”
Turkey has blocked access to 41 social media accounts and removed 75 posts from digital platforms over what authorities described as “disinformation” and “provocative content” related to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
An investigation has been launched against journalist Zeynep Durgut, who reported on the cutting of trees in an Êzidî village, following a complaint filed by the HÜDA-PAR district administration in Midyat.
Turkey Today – 05.03.2026
Following the appointment of Ali Çelik, who was appointed as trustee to the Hakkari Municipality two years ago, to the position of Deputy Minister of the Interior, Deputy Governor Cüneyt Orçun Zor was appointed as the new trustee.
Van MPs Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit and Gülderen Varli called for a parliamentary inquiry into the rising number of murders and suspicious deaths of women, drawing attention to impunity policies and the failure to implement protection mechanisms.
Saadet Party MP Bülent Kaya, who stated that administrative and legal steps must be taken as part of the process, said, ‘In terms of administrative steps, the government must take at least some confidence-building measures without waiting for legal regulation.’
The hearing of the case concerning the attack on the Evrensel Newspaper’s Izmir Office was postponed on the grounds that deficiencies in the case file needed to be addressed.
The DEM Party’s proposals to raise pensions to the minimum wage level, reduce the number of contribution days for those retiring from BAĞ-KUR, and grant student amnesty were rejected by the AKP-MHP.
Turkey Today – 04.03.2026
The term of office of the trustee appointed to Mardin Metropolitan Municipality by the Ministry of the Interior on 4 November 2024 has been extended by a further two months.
Turkey has announced that NATO air defense systems in the Mediterranean have shot down an Iranian ballistic missile after it entered Turkey’s airspace.
Former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu visited the new Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Justice Minister Akın Gürlek.
DEM Party MPs Nevroz Uysal Aslan and Salihe Aydeniz brought allegations of health rights violations and ill-treatment they observed at Erzincan Penitentiary Institutions to the attention of Turkish Grand National Assembly committees.
The fourth hearing in the trial of journalist Engin Deniz İpek and 34 others charged with “violating Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations,” was held in Istanbul. All defendants were acquitted.
Turkey Today – 03.03.2026
The DEM Party delegation to Imrali will visit Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi tomorrow.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke on the phone with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq.
As US and Israeli attacks on Iran entered their fourth day, Van, a province of 1.1 million people near the Iranian border in eastern Turkey, is already feeling the impact of the war in daily life and the local economy.
A lawyer and member of the Human Rights Association, Adile Salman, was acquitted on the grounds of statements made by the confessed witness Ümit Akbıyık.
The final hearing in the trial of BirGün columnist and BirGün TV host Zafer Arapkirli, who is charged with “insulting the President” over a social media post, was held in Çağlayan. The court ruled for acquittal.
Turkey Today – 02.03.2026
Abdullah Öcalan described the Grand National Assembly process report as ‘a beginning,’ emphasising that the success of the democratic process depends on active participation in the struggle and politics.
President Erdoğan has expressed concern over the joint US-Israeli air strikes against Iran, stating that the attacks were initiated by the “provocations” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The appeal against the detention of journalist Alican Uludağ has been rejected. Lawyer Abbas Yalçın announced that they will appeal to the Constitutional Court when the decision is notified.
Those detained on the grounds of broadcasting live from Incirlik Air Base have been released.
Thirteen people, including Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, who was detained as part of an investigation into ‘extortion’ against Bolu Municipality, were referred to the courthouse.
…
Turkey Today – 01.03.2026
The Mesopotamia Migration Monitoring and Research Association stated that the Parliamentary Commission report did not include concrete steps to remove obstacles to returning to villages and called for legal and administrative regulations.
Speaking on the anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s 27 February call, Öztürk Türkdoğan said, “If we are moving to a new phase, Mr. Öcalan’s legal status must be determined. Since the law will directly concern the Kurdish movement and Mr. Öcalan, negotiations with them will also be necessary.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the 24/7 emergency hotlines of its overseas missions and the Consular Call Centre are open to citizens.
CHP Leader Özgür Özel outlined his party’s stance against the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran in seven points: ‘We reject our region being subjected to interventions by the US and Israel that disregard international law and rules.’
Two years after participating in a statement made in Adana against the election fraud in Van, eight people were prosecuted on charges of ‘resisting to prevent the performance of duty’.