Author: Serdar Imren

A recent report reveals alarming statistics on male violence against women and children in April 2025, highlighting a troubling continuation of a broader societal issue. According to data gathered from local and national newspapers, men killed at least 36 women and two children during this month. Additionally, reports indicate that numerous instances of abuse, harassment, and forced sex work were perpetrated against women and children. Concerns over the persistence of gender-based violence continue to grow, prompting calls for comprehensive action to address this ongoing crisis. Article Subheadings 1) Statistical Overview of Violence 2) Analysis of Femicide Cases 3) Patterns of…

The Court of Cassation has upheld a controversial ruling that reduced the sentence of Cemal Metin Avcı, convicted of murdering university student Pınar Gültekin, in a case that has ignited widespread outrage. Initially sentenced to an aggravated life term, Avcı’s sentence was cut by a prior court ruling citing provocation, despite objections from public prosecutors. The recent decision from the Court of Cassation further cements a legal precedent viewed by many activists and legal experts as unjust, prompting calls for reevaluation of the justice system concerning violence against women. Article Subheadings 1) Court’s Reversal of Sentence 2) Legal Reactions and…

In a troubling legal development, Asya Gökalp, an activist affiliated with the LGBTI+ commission of the Socialist Party (SOLDEP), was arrested on May 2 in İzmir. Her detention, which came under a ruling from the Criminal Judgeship of Peace, is based on allegations of “inciting hatred and enmity.” According to her lawyer, serious health issues and harassment during her imprisonment raise significant concerns about her well-being and the legality of her arrest. Article Subheadings 1) Arrest Details and Background 2) Legal Justifications and Criticism 3) Conditions in Custody 4) Political Implications of the Arrest 5) Calls for Release and Broader…

More than a decade after the Gezi Park protests united millions of Turks in a historic call for freedom, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s long and vengeful memory has reached out to claim another victim. The arrest and impending trial of Ayşe Barım, a prominent manager for Turkey’s top television stars, is not an act of justice. It is a calculated act of intimidation and a chilling message from a regime at war with its own past: The Gezi chapter is never closed, and no one is safe from retribution. Barım is scheduled to appear in court on July 7, facing…

May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, a time for reflection on the state of journalism around the globe. In Turkey, the landscape remains troubling, as judicial independence has deteriorated, paving the way for the arbitrary arrests of journalists. A recent wave of detentions underscores the increasing repression faced by media representatives, particularly in light of mass protests surrounding political events. Amidst escalating government scrutiny, reports highlight both the challenges faced by journalists and the broader implications for press freedom. Article Subheadings 1) The Current State of Journalistic Freedom in Turkey 2) Arbitrary Arrests Highlighting Systematic Repression 3) Acquittals and…

The political landscape in Turkey is experiencing significant transformations as opposition leaders strive to break the dominant grip of the ruling party, particularly in urban centers like İstanbul. Recent events, including tractor-led demonstrations and rallies in the Anatolian region, signal a growing discontent among citizens, especially in areas traditionally considered strongholds of the ruling party. The atmosphere is charged as the main opposition party, the CHP, mobilizes supporters not just in major cities but also in rural territories, raising questions about the future of political engagement in the country. Article Subheadings 1) The Dominance of İstanbul in Turkish Politics 2)…

Sırrı Süreyya Önder, the deputy speaker of Turkey’s parliament and a pivotal figure in the Kurdish peace negotiations, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 62 due to complications from a severe heart condition. His demise, announced by the İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, followed a significant heart surgery and an extended period of critical care. Önder’s contributions to both politics and culture have left a lasting impact, cementing his legacy as a notable advocate for Kurdish rights and peace. Article Subheadings 1) Medical Complications Leading to Death 2) Ceremonies and Commemorations Planned 3) Profile of Sırrı Süreyya…

In a somber event impacting Turkish politics, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, the deputy speaker of the Turkish parliament and a notable figure in the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, has passed away at the age of 62. His death was attributed to complications stemming from a serious heart condition that he battled following major heart surgery. This article revisits Önder’s journey in political and cultural activism and the implications of his passing on the political landscape. Article Subheadings 1) Medical Complications Leading to Death 2) Ceremonies to Honor His Legacy 3) Profile: The Life of Sırrı Süreyya Önder 4)…

On May Day, city authorities in Istanbul witnessed significant unrest as a total of 419 people were detained amid national demonstrations. The Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) reported the detention figures, highlighting a significant police presence that restricted access to Taksim Square, historically a pivotal location for labor protests. While many detainees were released shortly after, a number remained in custody overnight, causing concerns over the government’s approach to public assembly rights. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of Detentions and Police Presence 2) Detailed Statistics on May Day Events 3) Historical Context of May Day Protests in Taksim 4) Government Response and…

A recent report from Greenpeace Turkey has unveiled concerning findings about pesticide contamination in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables in Istanbul. The study reveals that one in three samples collected from various grocery chains and neighborhood markets did not meet national pesticide regulations. Conducted by an internationally accredited laboratory, the analysis raises critical health alarms about pesticide residues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of Pesticide Violations in Turkey 2) Detailed Pesticide Findings 3) Health Implications for Vulnerable Populations 4) Historical Context and Previous Findings 5) Calls for Action and Future Directions Overview of Pesticide…