In a significant development for LGBTI+ rights in Turkey, the government has moved forward with a legislative proposal that could severely restrict these rights. Declaring 2025 the “Year of the Family,” officials have prepared amendments that alter existing laws related to gender transition and increase penalties for LGBTI+ expressions. The draft bill, which has garnered widespread criticism from rights organizations, raises critical questions about the future of civil liberties and social equality in the country. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the Proposed Legislative Changes 2) Key Amendments Impacting Gender Transition 3) Implications for LGBTI+ Rights and Activism 4) Responses from…
Author: Serdar Imren
Serdar Imren
Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.
In a significant development, Selahattin Demirtaş, the imprisoned co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), received temporary leave from prison to support his wife, Başak Demirtaş, following her surgery. This marks the first time Demirtaş has been granted such leave, highlighting a measure of flexibility within the judicial system. The approval from President Erdoğan was expedited, reflecting the urgency of the situation and Dmetirtaş’s standing after years of political imprisonment. Article Subheadings 1) Demirtaş Granted Leave for His Wife’s Surgery 2) A Moment of Solidarity: Support from Political Rivals 3) The Context of Imprisonment and Political Struggles 4) Implications for…
Turkey, recognized for possessing the second largest army in NATO, is contemplating its involvement in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to a source from the Turkish Defense Ministry. Discussions are ongoing regarding the nation’s contribution to ensure stability and peace in the region, aligning with international military powers. This initiative arises amid an evolving situation in Ukraine, as various global powers negotiate potential peace terms while considering on-ground security guarantees. Article Subheadings 1) Turkey’s Potential Role in Peacekeeping 2) Background and Context of the Discussions 3) Responses from Key Global Players 4) The Mechanisms of Possible Deployment 5)…
Talks aimed at resuming Iraqi oil exports to Turkey, which have been suspended for the last two years, have once again stalled as negotiations ended without agreement on March 6. This failure to reach a deal came just days after a previous round of discussions that also resulted in no breakthrough. The discussions are critical not only for the flow of oil from the Kurdish region of Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan port but also within the broader context of U.S. pressure on Iraq regarding oil exports, especially in relation to sanctions on Iran. The ongoing disagreement largely revolves around pricing…
Prof. Ahmet Akın, a faculty member at İstanbul Medeniyet University’s Faculty of Educational Sciences, has been dismissed from his position amid serious allegations of harassment and abuse of minors. Following a media report that brought these claims to light, the university announced an internal investigation and confirmed Akın’s removal from his role as head of the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department. This response reflects the institution’s commitment to a thorough and transparent process as it navigates these disturbing allegations. Article Subheadings 1) The Official Response from the University 2) Emergence of the Allegations 3) Details of the Allegations 4) Akın’s…
In a significant escalation of military operations, Turkey’s armed forces have reportedly killed 26 Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after the recent disarmament call issued by Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This announcement comes in the wake of Öcalan’s directive urging the PKK to lay down its arms and the subsequent declaration of an immediate ceasefire by the militant group. Officials from the Turkish defense ministry have reiterated their commitment to continue operations against what they refer to as terrorism, emphasizing the aim to neutralize Kurdish militant activities. As tensions rise between Turkey,…
A new presidential directive focusing on the prevention of workplace psychological harassment, commonly referred to as mobbing, has been officially issued today by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This directive, published in the Official Gazette, seeks to not only protect employees from psychological harassment but also to enhance the measures for combating such behavior within various workplaces across the country. The comprehensive regulations allow employees affected by mobbing to utilize multiple channels for lodging complaints, potentially paving the way for a more secure working environment. Article Subheadings 1) Reestablishment of the Psychological Harassment Prevention Board 2) Responsibilities of Employers and Managers…
A recent survey conducted by Areda Survey has revealed that a significant portion of the Turkish public views PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call for disarmament positively. Specifically, 57.5% of respondents welcomed his request, despite nearly half (47.4%) expressing skepticism about the likelihood of the PKK actually laying down its arms. The survey also highlighted a strong majority in favor of continuing military operations against the PKK, indicating public support for the government’s current strategy in the ongoing conflict. Article Subheadings 1) Public Reaction to Öcalan’s Call for Disarmament 2) Skepticism About the PKK’s Intentions 3) Support for Ongoing Military Operations…
Tensions have escalated between Iran and Turkey following remarks made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who criticized Iran’s foreign policy regarding Syria. This diplomatic spat has led both nations to summon each other’s envoys, reflecting deep concerns over regional stability and mutual relations. The situation highlights the sensitive dynamics between the two neighboring countries, as they navigate their interests in the tumultuous Middle East. Article Subheadings 1) Turkish Foreign Minister’s Warning 2) Iran’s Response and Diplomatic Reactions 3) Context of Regional Relations 4) Internal Politics Influencing Foreign Relations 5) Future Implications for Iran-Turkey Relations Turkish Foreign Minister’s Warning In…
The political landscape in Turkey is witnessing a significant shift as Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), actively engages in discussions surrounding a new initiative aimed at fostering peace and addressing the longstanding Kurdish issue. Despite recent health challenges that led to hospitalization, Bahçeli has resumed his role in the political dialogue. This initiative has garnered considerable attention, particularly following a historic call from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan for his organization to disband, thus opening the door for potential reconciliation efforts between the Turkish government and the Kurdish political movement. Article Subheadings 1) Bahçeli’s Health and…