Turkey Today – 31.07.2025
Foreign Minister Fidan, Minister of National Defence Güler and MİT Director Kalın met today.
CHP Chair Özgür Özel responded to AKP Group Chair Abdullah Güler’s statement that the commission would conduct its work closed to the press: ‘The members of this commission will decide how this commission will work at its first meeting.’
The Constitutional Court ruled that the ‘right to a fair trial’ of Gezi protester Tayfun Kahraman was violated. Kahraman will be retried in the Gezi Trial.
The court ruled for the continuation of detention of journalist Ercüment Akdeniz, who was arrested through the Peoples’ Democratic Congress investigation.
President Erdoğan has postponed a planned strike by mine workers for 60 days, citing protection of national security, according to a decision published in the Official Gazette today.
Turkey Today – 30.07.2025
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş announced that the commission to be established in the Parliament will start its work in the first week of August.
CHP Chair Özgür Özel said about the commission to be established in the Parliament, “The Speaker of the Assembly accepted our request, a qualified majority will be established in the commission. We will assign 10 of our friends to the commission tomorrow.”
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said regarding the commission to be established in the Parliament ‘We will provide technical support to the decisions taken by the Parliament.’
Ekrem İmamoğlu’s request for a stay of execution regarding the cancellation of his university diploma was rejected by the court.
The first hearing of the lawsuit filed against journalist Ercüment Akdeniz due to ‘illegal organisation membership’ will be held tomorrow in Istanbul.
Turkey Today – 29.07.2025
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiya Sudani called on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
A non-prosecution decision has been issued in the investigation into the exposure of the naked bodies of two women by soldiers and police during the curfew declared in Cizre.
The district governor of İdil refused to authorize an investigation into police officer Metin Kiraz, who killed 7-year-old Miraç Miroğlu by hitting him with an armored vehicle, claiming that he had “no other choice but to hit him.”
Following their visit to their Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, the commission members of the MHP named the commission to be established in the Parliament as the ‘Brotherhood and Solidarity Commission’.
Turkey Today – 28.07.2025
Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, met Turkish Defense Minister Gülen and Energy Minister Bayraktar.
Lawyer Veysel Demirkaya stated that the executions of Resul Baltacı and Sinan Tutmaz in Düzce T Type Closed Prison were burnt on the grounds of disciplinary penalties.
Fenerbahçe faces nationalist backlash over stadium naming deal with Chobani, a US-based yogurt brand founded by a Kurdish businessperson.
Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s master’s degree was cancelled.
A street in İstanbul’s Beyoğlu district, home to many trans women for years, was placed under police blockade on the night of Jul 18. All entrances and exits were sealed, drones were deployed overhead, and homes were raided during a nighttime operation.
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Turkey Weekly 21 – 27 July 2025
Turkey Today – 27.07.2025
The General Directorate of Prisons made a statement on the release of Veysi Aktaş and said, ‘All procedures were carried out within the framework of the execution legislation and judicial decisions, and no privileges or exceptions were applied.’
Bahri Oğuz, co-chair of Human Rights Association (IHD) Antep Branch, emphasised the necessity to establish truth commissions.
AKP Deputy Chair Mustafa Elitaş gave “warnings” about the process. Elitaş said, ‘10 thousand of our security officers have been martyred in the fight against terrorism, if they have objections, if they have accusations, if they have rebellions, see them as justified, but do not criticise them, do not discuss with them.’
French President Macron announced that he met with President Erdoğan. He said they discussed the situation in Gaza and the prospects for a conference on a two-state solution.
Turkey Today – 26.07.2025
In a statement MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli said, ‘While the range of terror-free Turkey is approaching step by step, the YPG / PYD’s slowing down the process and seeking to cripple the developments is an unacceptable ugliness.’
Prisoner Serhat Bulut, who was 4 months away from his release, was exiled from Urfa Prison to Elazığ Prison. Bulut’s execution was burned before, and his release in December 2023 was postponed to 21 November 2025.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1061 and asked for the fate of Süleyman Cihan, who disappeared in detention 44 years ago.
Implying that the fire that killed 10 people in Eskişehir, 71 per cent of which has been opened to mining, could be related to mine exploration, Cevat Aydemir, board member of the Eskişehir Ecology Association, said: ‘The government has to explain that the fire is not related to these mines.’
Turkey Today – 25.07.2025
DEM Party İmralı Delegation met with Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı prison island.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, who sent a letter to the groups of the parties regarding the commission to be established in the Parliament, shared information on how many people from which party will participate in the commission. The commission will consist of 51 people.
Hadi Elçiçek, who was 80 per cent disabled and whose execution was postponed for 6 months for his treatment, died in the hospital where he was being treated.
The Tunceli Governor’s Office has barred three groups, among them the Armenian group Veradardz Folk Ensemble from participating in the 23rd Munzur Culture and Nature Festival.
Journalist Metin Yoksu, who was arrested on 26 June due to ‘illegal organisation membership’ through an Artvin-based investigation, was released on judicial control conditions.
President Erdoğan announced that he may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump this week as part of the third round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Ten people in the Workers’ Party of Turkey cortege at the CHP rally were detained on the grounds of slogans.
Turkey Today – 24.07.2025
Rights and legal organisations in Turkey have petitioned the CoE Committee of Ministers for the right to hope for Abdullah Öcalan, Emin Gurban, Hayati Kaytan and Civan Boltan and demanded that the necessary steps be taken to implement the ECtHR judgments.
Human Rights Association (IHD) drew attention to the fact that prisoners in Beşiri T Type Closed Prison have not been able to access hot and cold water for days and called for an immediate solution to the problem.
Hakkari Bar Association President Ergün Canan demanded that the right to equal citizenship be taken under constitutional guarantee and said, ‘Integration and freedom laws should be implemented as soon as possible.’
Journalists’ professional organisations made a statement on 24 July, the Day of Struggle for Freedom of the Press, and drew attention to the fact that censorship continues today.
Turkey Today – 23.07.2025
Syria has officially requested military assistance from Turkey to enhance its defense capabilities and combat “terrorism,” according to officials from Turkey’s National Defense Ministry.
In Şirnak citizens were banned from entering forest areas until 1 September due to fire.
İstanbul police carried out a large-scale ID check operation late yesterday as part of a routine security sweep dubbed “Peace İstanbul,” performing ID checks on 336,165 individuals and detaining 835 as a result, according to the authorities.
Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that they will submit a new package on juvenile proceedings to the Parliament.
85-year-old Sıddık Güler, who was released after spending 27 years of his life in prison, has difficulty in speaking, walking and hearing. Güler said, ‘We were bathed in cold water for 6 months. We were insulted in every way.’
Turkey Today – 22.07.2025
CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel stated that they would like to contribute to the parliamentary commission to be established within the scope of the process, but that the transparent conduct of the process would be an important factor.
In the new operation targeting Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, 3 more people, including one assistant general secretary, one branch manager and one civil servant, were detained.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of attempting to divide Syria and warned that Turkey and neighboring countries would not allow such efforts to succeed.
Two journalists were detained today in the northern province of Rize following their reporting on renovations made to an education official’s office using state resources.
The Memleket Party was dissolved by a majority vote with the decision taken at the 2nd Extraordinary Assembly held today.
Turkey Today – 21.07.2025
In Bolu F-Type High-Security Prison, the release of 35 prisoners – 34 have been incarcerated for over 30 years – has been blocked by the Administrative and Observation Board on the grounds of “lack of good behavior,” according to Berivan Barin from the Association of Lawyers for Freedom.
President Erdogan, from the ruling AK Party, stated that a commission to be established in Parliament is nearing its final stage, saying, “Soon, you will witness progress taking place on the Parliament floor.”
The news of Abdi’s killing was not confirmed, and the channel did not issue a correction.
Parliament has approved a legislative package that includes provisions permitting mining activities in olive groves.
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Turkey Weekly 14 – 20 July 2025
Turkey Today – 20.07.2025
The police attacked the Suruç Massacre march in Ankara and detained many young people. Ten years ago, 33 young people who wanted to cross the border to rebuild Kobane died in an IS attack in Suruç.
Zeynep Yaman, who was subjected to police violence in Istanbul’s Bayrampaşa district, said her baby was born prematurely after being kicked in the stomach by a police officer. “Doctors said there might be issues with my baby’s heart and brain. My baby experienced state violence before even born,” she said.
It was reported that İbrahim Kalın, the head of the National Intelligence Organisation (MİT), will visit the political parties that have a group in the Parliament starting from tomorrow within the scope of the dialogue process.
The acceptance of Pelin Gümüşdağ, the valedictorian of Boğaziçi University’s History Department, for a master’s degree was cancelled by the decision of the Institute of Social Sciences. Boğaziçi University History Department students protested the rector appointments and trustees with a banner reading ‘History will not forgive the trustees’ at the alternative graduation on 2 July.
Turkey Today – 19.07.2025
A commission planned to be established in the Parliament has been decided to be set up on the initiative of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. It is learnt that the commission will consist of at least 44 members.
85-year-old Sıddık Güler, a seriously ill prisoner, has been released from prison.
The release of Hasip Avşar, a 30-year prisoner, who is being held in Aksaray T-Type Closed Prison, was postponed for the second time for 3 months by the decision of the Administration and Observation Board because he refused to accept the “remorse” imposition.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1060 and demanded the fate of Hasan Gülünay, who was detained and disappeared 33 years ago.
The 21-article omnibus bill that opens agricultural lands, forests and olive groves to the looting of miners was approved in the Parliament.
Turkey Today – 18.07.2025
Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court rejected the release application of former HDP Co-Chairs Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş and Kobanê prisoners. The ECHR had ruled a violation for the third time.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and representatives of political parties came together for the planned establishment of a commission in the Parliament.
The Forensic Medicine Institution decided to re-examine the detained mayor Murat Çalık. Çalık had recently undergone surgery for suspected lymphoma.
The lawsuit filed against journalist Melike Aydın due to ‘illegal organisation membership’ was held in Izmir. The verdict of acquittal was given due to lack of evidence.
Mesopotamia Agency (MA) reporter Tolga Güney’s trial was held in Izmir. The verdict of acquittal was given due to lack of evidence.
Delal Akyüz’s trial was held in Izmir. The court sentenced Akyüz to 6 years and three months for illegal organisation membership.
Turkey Today – 17.07.2025
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş met with the Minister of Defence, Chief of General Staff and force commanders. Kurtulmuş then met with President Erdoğan.
DEM Party İmralı Delegation members Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar and Özgür Erol held a meeting with CHP Chair Özgür Özel.
Ömer Cuma Salih, who is held in Elazığ High Security Closed Prison No 2, stated that he was subjected to violence of the wardens and was kept in a solitary cell for hours.
Journalist Sultan Eylem Keleş has been sentenced to 8 months and 10 days in prison for “resisting a public official to prevent them from performing their duty” during her coverage of a 2020 workers’ protest in İstanbul.
Turkey Today – 16.07.2025
DEM Party İmralı Delegation met with Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç. Speaking after the meeting, member Mithat Sancar said: ‘The more the legal basis of the process is strengthened, the easier it will be for it to move forward’ and added that the role of the Ministry of Justice is critical at this point.
The third hearing of the lawsuit filed against Ekrem İmamoğlu on charges of ‘threatening’, ‘insulting a public official’ and ‘targeting people who took part in the fight against terrorism’ due to his remarks against Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek was held in Istanbul. The court sentenced Ekrem İmamoğlu to 2 months and 15 days for ‘threatening’ and to 1 year 5 months and 15 days for ‘insulting a public officer’.
The Ministry of Interior announced that Özgür Kabadayı, the arrested Mayor of Şile, has been suspended from office.
The lawyers of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer filed a new appeal against his detention.
Stating that the obstacles in front of education in mother tongue should be removed within the scope of the process, Eğitim Sen General Secretary Zülküf Güneş said that a ‘peace curriculum’ is needed for this.
Turkey Today – 15.07.2025
The DEM Party’s Executive Committee decided to determine the delegation that will hold talks with Abdullah Öcalan this week. It also decided to establish a coordination for the commission to be established in the Parliament.
The Turkish Medical Association pointed out that the government has a great responsibility in the ‘Peace and Democratic Society Process’ and listed the steps to be taken immediately.
26 people were detained in house raids conducted in 9 cities centred in Istanbul. In the Izmir based operation, detention warrants were issued for 372 people.
The hospital appointment of Agit Yanar, a student held in Marmara Closed Prison within the scope of the HDK investigation and whose finger was broken, was postponed for 7 months.
Turkey Today – 14.07.2025
Kaya family of 10 people returning from a picnic in Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul was beaten and detained by the police yesterday evening for listening to a Kurdish song in their car. Detained 3 members of Kaya family were referred to the court for arrest.
Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Ozer (CHP) was released during the hearing of the trial in the context of “urban concencus”. Ozer was not released as he was also under arrest from a different case.
This week DEM Party Imrali Delegation members Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar and Faik Ozgur Erol will meet CHP, MHP and Future Party.
CHP-affiliated Şile Mayor Özgür Kabadayı, who was detained in Istanbul on 10 July on allegations of “establishing terror organization to commit crime”, “bribery”, “extortion” and “bid rigging”, was arrested.
The fifth hearing of the lawsuit filed against imprisoned journalist Furkan Karabay due to ‘insulting the President’ was held in Istanbul. The court sentenced Furkan Karabay to 10.500 TL judicial fine.
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Turkey Weekly 7 – 13 July 2025
Turkey Today – 13.07.2025
AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik clarified Erdoğan’s words ‘We will walk as a trio’, stating that this situation is related to the process and that there is no negotiation.
MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız drew attention to the historical unity of Turks and Kurds and said, ‘Now is the time for brotherhood.’
In a written statement on the 95th anniversary of the Zilan Massacre, DEM Party called on the state to face the massacre and apologise to the people.
Women blocked the diggers against the mining work in Mizak rural neighbourhood of Lice, stating that their village had been burnt 7 times before and that they would not allow this work.
Turkey Today – 12.07.2025
Turkey attacked Amediye countryside in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq 5 times.
Izmir Bar Association announced that lawyer Beliz Han and some citizens were subjected to police violence.
President Erdoğan stated that a commission will be established in the Parliament and said, ‘We will start to discuss the legal needs of the process under the roof of the Parliament.’
A new application was made for the release of 73-year-old sick prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam, who had two heart attacks in prison.
During the graduation ceremony at Istanbul Technical University, students from the Faculty of Architecture protested against the dean with slogans such as ‘The trustees will go, we will stay’.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1059 and asked for the fate of Ramazan Kaya, who was abducted by village guards 33 years ago.
Turkey Today – 11.07.2025
The “Peace and Democratic Society Group” of the Kurdistan Workers Party led by KCK Executive Council Co-chair Besê Hozat organised a ceremenooty for the destruction of weapons upon the call of Abdullah Öcalan.
President Erdogan commented on the PKK’s weapon destruction ceremony, saying: “I hope the important step taken today on the path to our goal will bring good results.”
CHP Chair Ozgur Ozel noted that the weapons destruction ceremony is “gratifying” and stated, “Establishing complete peace in Turkey is only possible with justice and democracy.”
Speaking after the PKK’s weapons destruction ceremon, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said: “We have reached the end of our work on the commission to be established in Parliament.”
Making a statement after the ceremony in which the PKK destroyed weapons by burning them, AKP spokesman Ömer Çelik said that a critical threshold had been crossed to reach the target.
In his first statement after today’s weapons disposal ceremony, MHP Chair Devlet Bahceli said that Abdullah Ocalan kept his promise and stood behind his commitment.
Turkey Today – 10.07.2025
The Ministry of Interior announced that CHP Mayor of Adıyaman, Abdurrahman Tutdere was suspended from office after a house arrest order was issued against him.
Police officers from Istanbul Security Directorate’s Anti-Financial Crimes Department raided CHP-affiliated Sile Municipality in the morning hours. Mayor Ozgur Kabadayi and some people from the municipality were detained.
The General Assembly of the Parliament will continue its work without a break between 16-24 July.
The Court of Cassation overturned the decision to dismiss the Central Council of the Turkish Medical Association on the grounds of the ‘use of chemical weapons’ statements on procedural grounds.
The fifth hearing of the retrial of journalist Geşbun Ayşe Kara due to ‘being an illegal organisation member’ was held. Kara, who is abroad, did not attend the hearing. Trial adjourned until December.
The Instagram account of the Kurdish-language broadcasting organisation Ajansa Welat has been closed.
Turkey Today – 09.07.2025
Ministry of Interior dismissed Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar and Buyukcemkmece Municipality Deputy Mayor Ahmet Sahin.
DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan announced that they will be in Süleymaniye on 11 July to follow PKK’s disarmament ceremony.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Head İbrahim Kalın held a meeting in the Parliament regarding the ongoing process.
A court has ordered a nationwide access ban on Grok, the AI chatbot developed by the social media platform X, after it generated offensive content targeting President Erdoğan, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic, and the Prophet Muhammad.
DEM Party Şirnak MP Newroz Uysal Aslan made an application to the Parliamentary Human Rights Investigation Commission regarding the systematic violations of rights in Sincan Closed Prison.
Turkey Today – 08.07.2025
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party will proceed with its symbolic disarmament ceremony on Jul 11 in Sulaymaniyah. There will be no journalists present and the event will not be broadcast live as part of new security measures.
Today’s meeting between the DEM Party İmralı Delegation and Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç was postponed tue to “busy schedule”.
Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek was suspended from office yesterday by the Interior Ministry, following his arrest in a corruption investigation. A court has placed Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere under house arrest.
The European Court of Human Rights has issued a new ruling against Turkey regarding the detention of Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtaş, declaring a September 2019 court order for his arrest arbitrary and politically driven.
İstanbul prosecutors have issued a detention order for İstanbul provincial chair of CHP, Özgür Çelik, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities during the party’s 2023 provincial congress.
Şırnak Governorate declared 3 regions in Beytüşşebap district as “temporary security zones” for 9 days and banned entry and exit of people.
Turkey Today – 07.07.2025
İmralı Delegation and DEM Party Co-Chairs came together. The delegation met with President Erdoğan after the meeting. After the meeting the delegation made a statement: “During the meeting it was emphasised that the reciprocal will to move the process forward continues.”
The court decided to continue the detention of actress manager Ayşe Barım, who has been in prison for more than 5 months due to ‘being one of the planners of Gezi Park protests’.
President Erdoğan filed a lawsuit against CHP Chairman Özgür Özel for 500 thousand TL for non-pecuniary damages due to his remarks at a press conference held after the meeting of the Party’s Central Committee on 5 July.DEM Party MP George Aslan has submitted a parliamentary inquiry regarding reports that the historic Ani Cathedral, a historic Armenian church located in Kars, will be reopened as a mosque.
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Turkey Weekly 1 – 6 July 2025
Turkey Today – 06.07.2025
A delegation from the DEM party has visited Abdullah Öcalan on Imrali. A meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan is to follow on Monday.
DEM Party Co-Chairperson Tülay Hatimoğulları and the accompanying delegation visited the Republican People’s Party Headquarters.
Turkey extended the flight ban to Sulaymaniyah International Airport in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for another 3 months. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stopped flights to Sulaymaniyah International Airport as of 3 April 2023.
Omer Yaman, a 70-year-old prisoner who was prevented from receiving treatment in Tokat Prison, stated that he lost the sight in his left eye because he could not receive cataract treatment.
The Ministry of National Defence (MSB) announced that 5 soldiers died due to methane gas exposure in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Turkey Today – 05.07.2025
Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç targeted those who criticised the detention of CHP mayors and said: ‘What everyone who respects the law should do is to avoid attitudes that will overshadow a fair trial.’
CHP Chair Özgür Özel reacted to the detention of mayors and said, “They are rehearsing the elimination of the ballot box. This declaration of war is not only against us, but also against democratic politics.”
The Court of Appeal upheld the prison sentence of Osman Şiban, who was thrown out of a helicopter after being detained by soldiers in Van and sentencedto 7 yeras in prison.
Journalist Timur Soykan was detained for his social media posts.
Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1058 and asked for the perpetrators of HEP Diyarbakır chair Vedat Aydın who was murdered on 5 July 1991.
Turkey Today – 04.07.2025
A one-month visitation ban has been imposed on prisoners at Van High Security Prison due to their participation in a “noise protest.”
CHP Manavgat Municipality Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kaya was detained within the scope of the investigation launched against the municipality.
Agit Kortak, held in Erzincan High Security Closed Prison, was sentenced to solitary confinement because of Kurdish songs in his notebooks.
The parliament has passed a long-debated Climate Bill aimed at establishing the legal framework for national climate policy amid opposition criticism.
CHP Party Assembly Member Emine Uçak Erdoğan stated that legal regulations are necessary for the process to be permanent: “We need to organise a process together that is socialised and not closed in on itself.”
The first hearing of the lawsuit filed against arrested journalist Hamza Kaan due to ‘illegal organisation membership’ was held in Istanbul. The court released him with judicial control measures.
Turkey Today – 02.07.2025
DEM Party submitted its draft regarding the planned commission to be established in the Parliament. The draft includes many proposals.
4 people detained within the investigation against the humour magazine Leman were arrested.
A delegation from Europe called for the unconditional release of Mr Öcalan and other political prisoners in order for the democratic process to reach its full potential.
Detained for more than 4 years, former HDP Istanbul provincial chair Doğan Erbaş was released.
DEM Party submitted a motion for the establishment of a Parliamentary Investigation Commission to investigate the Madımak Massacre, to ensure social confrontation and to prevent similar sufferings from happening again.
Turkey Today – 01.07.2025
Within the scope of the investigation launched by Izmir Public Prosecutor’s Office against Izmir Metropolitan Municipality due to ‘corruption’ allegations, an operation was organised in the morning and 120 people, including former Mayor Tunç Soyer, were detained.
A cartoonist from the satire magazine LeMan was detained last night following allegations that he depicted Islamic prophet Muhammad and Jewish prophet Moses in a recent cartoon. The Interior Minister had referred to the cartoon as a “vile drawing.”
Hakkari and Tunceli Bar Association called on the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) to establish legal monitoring and observation committees in light of ongoing talks around the resolution of the Kurdish issue.
The 11th hearing of the lawsuit filed against journalist Deniz Yücel due to ‘publicly insulting the Turkish nation and the State of the Republic of Turkey’ and ‘insulting the President’ was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until December.