{"id":2187,"date":"2026-03-02T15:31:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T14:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/?page_id=2187"},"modified":"2026-04-12T22:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T20:48:13","slug":"march-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/?page_id=2187","title":{"rendered":"March 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Turkey Weekly 30 – 31 March 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 31.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 15th hearing in the case against Prof. Dr. \u015eebnem Korur Fincanc\u0131, Erol \u00d6ndero\u011flu, and Ahmet Nesin, who are on trial for supporting the \u00d6zg\u00fcr G\u00fcndem \u201cEditors-in-Chief on Watch\u201d campaign, was held in \u0130stanbul. Trial adjourned until September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The assets of \u00d6zkan Yal\u0131m, the detained Mayor of U\u015fak, have been seized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two year and six month prison sentence handed down to police officer Selahattin Korkmaz, who killed \u015eahin \u00d6ner 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lawyers for the detained journalist Alican Uluda\u011f 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 30.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan has filed a lawsuit seeking 500,000 lira in damages for emotional distress against CHP leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel over remarks he made at his party\u2019s rally in Ku\u015fadas\u0131. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bak\u0131rk\u00f6y Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office announced that an investigation had been launched into \u0130mamo\u011flu over statements he made in his defence during the expert witness case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ministry of Education has fined ARS\u00ceSA 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\u2019s Rights and Memory Commission of the Istanbul branch of the Lawyers for Freedom Association (\u00d6HD) announced that at least 7 children were arrested for attending Newroz celebrations, and that some were subjected to torture and ill-treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A case has been brought against the detained journalist Alican Uluda\u011f, with the prosecution seeking a prison sentence of up to nine years and eight months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 29.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The release of ill prisoners, one of the key issues of the Dialogue Process, continues to be ignored by the government. Nazl\u0131 Turan, Co-spokesperson of the IHD Prison Commission, stated that relevant institutions, particularly the Justice Ministry must take action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a written question submitted to the Parliament Speaker, CHP MP Sezgin Tanr\u0131kulu put seven questions to Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Diyarbak\u0131r Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office appealed against the decision to dismiss the case against human rights defender Nimet Tanr\u0131kulu, who had been charged for participating in the 2012 Newroz celebrations; the decision was overturned and a new case was brought against Tanr\u0131kulu on the same charges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

International press organisations have condemned the increasing pressure on journalists in Turkey and called for the release of detained journalists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 28.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eren Aba\u015f 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1096 demanded to know the fate of \u0130lyas Eren, who was disappeared whilst in custody 29 years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mezopotamya Agency\u2019s (MA) Kurdish Instagram account has been closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devlet Bah\u00e7eli stated that the resignation of his deputy chairman, \u0130zzet Ulvi Y\u00f6nter, was not due to a falling-out but rather to his academic commitments; he denied claims of a rift within the MHP.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rupture in a crude oil pipeline in the Cizre district of \u015e\u0131rnak 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 27.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of the DEM Party\u2019s Imrali delegation held a meeting with Abdullah \u00d6calan on \u0130mral\u0131 prison island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u015e\u0131rnak.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal proceedings have been initiated against 10 people at Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Meanwhile, the Sabah and Yeni \u015eafak newspapers have singled out Mayor Mansur Yava\u015f. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 U\u015fak, Ankara and Kocaeli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following posts on social media claiming that sirens had sounded at Incirlik, sources from the Ministry of National Defence issued a statement saying, \u201cThere has been no attack or adverse situation. It is believed to have been a false alarm.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second hearing in the case filed against singer Fatih Karaca, known as Mabel Matiz, on the charge of \u201cobscenity\u201d over the lyrics of his song \u201cPerperi\u015fan,\u201d was held in Istanbul. Trial adjourned until April. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 26.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sixth hearing in the case against human rights activist Nimet Tanr\u0131kulu, brought on charges of \u201cmembership of an organisation\u201d, has begun in Istanbul. The court lifted the requirement for Tanr\u0131kulu to sign in regularly, but ruled that the ban on her leaving the country should remain in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human rights activists, speaking in Istanbul and many other provinces, have called for the release of the seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin \u00c7am, highlighting the deterioration in his health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concert to be given by the artist \u0130lkay Akkaya in Kastamonu has been cancelled following calls on social media to target her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office has announced that the house arrest of Medyascope reporter Furkan Karabay, who was detained on 23 January on charges of \u201cpublicly disseminating misleading information\u201d, has been lifted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 25.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trial of 402 people, 106 of whom are in custody, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem \u0130mamo\u011flu, on charges of \u2018corruption\u2019 is ongoing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the Turkish teachers’ strike continues at the Private Italian High School in Beyo\u011flu, \u0130stanbul, the District Education Directorate has appointed new teachers to the school, which the union views as an attempt to break the strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Istanbul Branch of the Lawyers Association \u00d6HD highlighted the \u2018chain of negligence\u2019 leading to the death of the ailing prisoner Mehmet Edip Ta\u015far, emphasising the need for urgent action to secure the release of seriously ill prisoners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEM Party MP Heval Bozda\u011f 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 A\u011fr\u0131 Patnos L-Type Prison in accessing their basic rights to life and health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 24.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A total of 170 people were detained across 15 provinces on allegations of \u201cspreading organisational propaganda\u201d and \u201cviolating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911\u201d before and after the Newroz celebrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Edip Ta\u015far, who had not been released, has lost his life.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A court has awarded a total of 150,000 TL in damages in the defamation and insult case brought by Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek against CHP Leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel and CHP MP Murat Emir. The Minister announced the ruling during \u00d6zel\u2019s speech at a group meeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third hearing in the case filed against LeMan magazine cartoonist Do\u011fan Pehlevan on the charge of \u201cinsulting the President\u201d was held in Istanbul. The court lifted the signature requirement but ruled that the travel ban will remain in place. Trial adjourned until July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 23.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 Branch Directorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the arrest of Ku\u015fadas\u0131 Mayor \u00d6mer G\u00fcnel, CHP member Tahsin Demirta\u015f was elected deputy mayor in a vote held by the council.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geothermal energy projects planned for Varto are on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. DEM Party MP Celal F\u0131rat questioned Minister Bayraktar about the local community\u2019s objections and potential environmental risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Diyarbak\u0131r and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An indictment has been drawn up against \u0130nan G\u00fcney, the Mayor of Beyo\u011flu, who is currently in custody. A 35-year prison sentence has been sought for G\u00fcney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Weekly 16 – 22 March 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 22.03.2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the Newroz celebrations in \u0130stanbul. DEM Party Co-Chair T\u00fclay Hatimo\u011fullar\u0131 said in her speech: \u201cMay the history of resistance and struggle of Newroz bear witness that we will build a Democratic Republic together in this region, in this country.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tu\u011f\u00e7enur \u00d6zbay, a detainee at \u015eakran Prison whose most basic rights have been restricted on the grounds that she refuses to accept the \u2018detainee ID card\u2019 scheme, has been on hunger strike for 53 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 21.03.2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the Newroz celebrations in Diyarbak\u0131r. Leyla Zana, winner of the Sakharov Prize, criticized the government for ignoring Kurdish demands, saying: \u201cThe people want to see and hear their leader, Abdullah \u00d6calan, in Amed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the family and lawyer visits at Imrali, Abdullah \u00d6calan met with his brother Mehmet \u00d6calan and his nephew Ali \u00d6calan, as well as lawyers Raziye \u00d6zt\u00fcrk, \u0130brahim Bilmez and Cengiz Y\u00fcrekli from the Asr\u0131n Law Office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Initiative for the Freedom of Sick Prisoners and the Prisoners\u2019 Commission of the Istanbul Branch of the Human Rights Association (\u0130HD) called for the release of the sick prisoners Mecit Ba\u015fta\u015f and Devrim Ay\u0131k through their protests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1095. At this week\u2019s protest, demands were made for the perpetrators of the murder of Hasan Ocak\u2014who was tortured to death after being detained 31 years ago\u2014to be brought to justice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

BirG\u00fcn reporter \u0130smail Ar\u0131 was detained on charges of \u2018publicly disseminating misleading information\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 20.03.2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

International trade unions have condemned the arrest of Mehmet T\u00fcrkmen, General Secretary of B\u0130RTEK-SEN. The unions emphasised that it is unacceptable for occupational health and safety and employer accountability to be treated as criminal offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sirens were heard at Incirlik Air Base in Adana. The Ministry of National Defence issued a statement saying, \u2018It is believed to have been a false alarm.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MHP chair Devlet Bah\u00e7eli said that significant steps would be taken in the period following the holiday to build a \u201cnew and strong Turkey\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) has fined Amedspor 110,000 TL for alleged pitch incidents during the match against Manisa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 19.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The compensation paid to the family of Sar\u0131g\u00fcl T\u00fcyl\u00fc, who lost her life in the Ankara Station massacre, is now being reclaimed with interest following a new ruling by the Council of State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u015eimel \u00c7am, daughter of seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin \u00c7am, said after visiting him: \u201cMy father cannot stand. At times, he experiences memory loss and does not recognize us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three people released yesterday in the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality case have been re-arrested following an appeal by the public prosecutor\u2019s office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the 35 young people detained whilst attempting to march at the \u201cStanding up for the will of the people\u201d rally organised by the CHP in Sara\u00e7hane, Istanbul, 31 were released and four were taken to court. Two of those taken to court were remanded in custody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Human Rights Association (\u0130HD) and the Lawyers\u2019 Association for Human Rights (\u00d6HD) have called for an investigation into allegations of torture and violations of the right to health against Devrim Ay\u0131k, a sick prisoner held at Antalya S-Type Closed Prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 18.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lawyers Association \u00d6HD, reacting to the fact that the ECHR ruling on the violation of rights concerning Abdullah \u00d6calan 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DEM Party MP Newroz Uysal Aslan has lodged a complaint with the Parliament\u2019s Human Rights Investigation Commission regarding the nine-month postponement of Adem Oktay\u2019s release from Karab\u00fck T-Type Prison. Uysal stated that the postponement of the release had been turned into a punitive measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek has denied \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel\u2019s allegations regarding his assets. G\u00fcrlek stated that he owns four properties, arguing that the documents in question are forged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 17.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A motion to lift the parliamentary immunity of four MPs, including CHP chair \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel and Ali Mahir Ba\u015far\u0131r, has been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHP Deputy Chair Sezgin Tanr\u0131kulu submitted a parliamentary question to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly regarding the Council of State\u2019s decision to examine the merits of the case concerning the appointment of Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek, former Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, as Minister of Justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baran Tink, an employee of Yeni Ya\u015fam newspaper, stated that whilst he was delivering newspapers in Bornova, \u0130zmir, he was stopped by two men who identified themselves as police officers, threatened, and pressured into becoming an informant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calls have been made for the reinstatement of Dr Ay\u015fe U\u011furlu, 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 \u2018insulting the President\u2019 for reading out a statement organised by the Ankara Women\u2019s Platform in Van. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A case has been brought against Bolu Mayor Tanju \u00d6zcan, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of up to three years on charges of blackmailing a municipal employee. Turkey Today – 16.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selahattin Korkmaz, the police officer who killed \u015eahin \u00d6ner (19) by running him over with an armoured vehicle in Diyarbak\u0131r on 10 February 2013, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for the offence of \u201ccausing death by negligence\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Bak\u0131rk\u00f6y Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office has accepted the request. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdurrahman Tun\u00e7, Hasan H\u00fcseyin Tun\u00e7 and Kemal Altuner, who are alleged to have verbally and physically harassed 16-year-old \u0130.C.K. in Mersin and forced her into prostitution, were released by the public prosecutor\u2019s office despite the existence of an audio recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ecologists and local residents, who claim that the solid waste facility located in the \u0130lk\u00fcvez Plateau in the \u00c7ayba\u015f\u0131 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Weekly 9 – 15 March 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 15.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education Minister Yusuf Tekin took aim at CHP Leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel with the following words: \u2018This chap must be a bit slow on the uptake\u2026 I don\u2019t know which end of the stick he\u2019s grasping.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u00c7all\u0131dere in the Varto district of Mu\u015f and will affect 16 villages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 14.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case brought against the appointment of Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday Mothers gathered at Galatasaray Square in week 1094 demanded justice and sought information regarding the fate of Yusuf Eri\u015fti, who was disappeared whilst in custody 35 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018White March\u2019 launched by the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) in Diyarbak\u0131r 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: \u2018We want to see the value of our work and our profession.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 13.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presiding judge stated that it had been established that Mehmet Nurbaki G\u00f6\u00e7mez, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office has decided not to prosecute U\u011fur \u00d6kdemir, News Editor of the Bursa Muhalif Newspaper, in connection with an investigation launched over a programme broadcast on Muhalif TV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHP Leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel criticised the Trump administration in a speech he delivered at the Socialist International Presidium Meeting: \u201cWe are faced with an administration that disregards rules and the law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 12.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2018Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Case\u2019 was rejected by the votes of the AKP and MHP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 8 March report by the Women’s Commission of the Antalya Branch of the Human Rights Association (\u0130HD) 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MHP Chair Devlet Bah\u00e7eli stated that caution should be exercised as the process progresses, adding, \u2018We have no right to waste time with empty talk.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 11.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has launched a march from Diyarbak\u0131r to Ankara in protest against the collapse of the healthcare system and harsh working conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do\u011fukan Ma\u011fol, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Diyarbak\u0131r, charges have been brought against filmmaker Rojhilat Aksoy for organising the screening of the animated film Aurora’s Sunrise about the Armenian genocide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHP Adana MP M\u00fczeyyen \u015eevkin 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 10.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MHP Chair Devlet Bah\u00e7eli has criticized US and Israeli strategies in the Iran conflict saying \u201cThose who try to deploy our Kurdish brothers to the battlefield, those making plans to collapse Iran from within\u2014Kurds will not and must not become mercenaries for any of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first hearing in the trial of 36 people detained during the 11th Istanbul Trans Pride March held in Ac\u0131badem on 22 June 2025 was held in \u0130stanbul. Trial adjourned until 12 March.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has been reported that eight people, including a police commissioner and two police officers, were detained in a drug operation in Hakkari. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bak\u0131rk\u00f6y 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 09.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Erdo\u011fan stated after the cabinet meeting, \u2018Regarding 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.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trial of 402 people, including Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem \u0130mamo\u011flu, 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 Bak\u0131rk\u00f6y Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into CHP leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel on its own initiative, accusing him of \u2018insulting\u2019 the court panel following statements he made after the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality trial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Turkey Weekly 2 – 7 March 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 07.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alevi organisations held a rally in Hatay’s Samanda\u011f district under the slogan \u2018Stop the genocide in Syria\u2019. Speaking at the rally, DEM Party Co-Chair T\u00fclay Hatimo\u011fullar\u0131 said, \u2018The only solution in Syria is a democratic Syrian Republic. Similarly, this prescription applies to the entire Middle East region.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00fclya Ay\u0131k, the mother of Devrim Ay\u0131k, 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, \u2018I’m not treating you, I’m not referring you, get out.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that certain roads around Beyo\u011flu will be closed to traffic from 2 p.m. tomorrow due to events marking International Working Women’s Day on 8 March. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHP MP Sezgin Tanr\u0131kulu submitted a parliamentary question to Minister Mahinur \u00d6zdemir G\u00f6kta\u015f regarding the number of cases of violence against women, shelters, financial support and the impact of the Istanbul Convention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An announcement was made in \u00c7all\u0131dere village against the geothermal power plant project in Varto, which is said to affect 16 villages. The announcement stated, \u2018All geothermal power plant projects planned in Varto and the environmental impact assessment processes must be cancelled immediately.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 06.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ekrem \u0130mamo\u011flu’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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fourth hearing in the trial of former T\u00dcS\u0130AD President Orhan Turan and High Advisory Council (Y\u0130K) Chair \u00d6mer Aras was held in Istanbul. The court sentenced both Turan and Aras to 1 year, 3 months and 18 days in prison for \u201cpublicly disseminating misleading information.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An investigation has been launched against journalist Zeynep Durgut, who reported on the cutting of trees in an \u00cazid\u00ee village, following a complaint filed by the H\u00dcDA-PAR district administration in Midyat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 05.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the appointment of Ali \u00c7elik, who was appointed as trustee to the Hakkari Municipality two years ago, to the position of Deputy Minister of the Interior, Deputy Governor C\u00fcneyt Or\u00e7un Zor was appointed as the new trustee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Van MPs G\u00fclcan Ka\u00e7maz Sayyi\u011fit and G\u00fclderen 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saadet Party MP B\u00fclent Kaya, who stated that administrative and legal steps must be taken as part of the process, said, \u2018In terms of administrative steps, the government must take at least some confidence-building measures without waiting for legal regulation.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEM Party’s proposals to raise pensions to the minimum wage level, reduce the number of contribution days for those retiring from BA\u011e-KUR, and grant student amnesty were rejected by the AKP-MHP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 04.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has announced that NATO air defense systems in the Mediterranean have shot down an Iranian ballistic missile after it entered Turkey’s airspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former Interior Minister S\u00fcleyman Soylu visited the new Interior Minister Mustafa \u00c7ift\u00e7i and Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fourth hearing in the trial of journalist Engin Deniz \u0130pek and 34 others charged with \u201cviolating Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations,\u201d was held in Istanbul. All defendants were acquitted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 03.03.2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEM Party delegation to Imrali will visit Justice Minister Ak\u0131n G\u00fcrlek and Interior Minister Mustafa \u00c7ift\u00e7i tomorrow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke on the phone with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lawyer and member of the Human Rights Association, Adile Salman, was acquitted on the grounds of statements made by the confessed witness \u00dcmit Akb\u0131y\u0131k. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final hearing in the trial of BirG\u00fcn columnist and BirG\u00fcn TV host Zafer Arapkirli, who is charged with \u201cinsulting the President\u201d over a social media post, was held in \u00c7a\u011flayan. The court ruled for acquittal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 02.03.2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdullah \u00d6calan described the Grand National Assembly process report as \u2018a beginning,\u2019 emphasising that the success of the democratic process depends on active participation in the struggle and politics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Erdo\u011fan 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appeal against the detention of journalist Alican Uluda\u011f has been rejected. Lawyer Abbas Yal\u00e7\u0131n announced that they will appeal to the Constitutional Court when the decision is notified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those detained on the grounds of broadcasting live from Incirlik Air Base have been released.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirteen people, including Bolu Mayor Tanju \u00d6zcan, who was detained as part of an investigation into \u2018extortion\u2019 against Bolu Municipality, were referred to the courthouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Today – 01.03.2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on the anniversary of Abdullah \u00d6calan’s 27 February call, \u00d6zt\u00fcrk T\u00fcrkdo\u011fan said, \u201cIf we are moving to a new phase, Mr. \u00d6calan’s legal status must be determined. Since the law will directly concern the Kurdish movement and Mr. \u00d6calan, negotiations with them will also be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHP Leader \u00d6zg\u00fcr \u00d6zel outlined his party’s stance against the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran in seven points: \u2018We reject our region being subjected to interventions by the US and Israel that disregard international law and rules.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two years after participating in a statement made in Adana against the election fraud in Van, eight people were prosecuted on charges of \u2018resisting to prevent the performance of duty\u2019. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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… Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2187","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2187"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2187\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2216,"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2187\/revisions\/2216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/eutcc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}