Author: Serdar Imren

In a recent controversial ruling by a Turkish court, Abdullah Zeydan, the co-mayor of the eastern Van Metropolitan Municipality and a member of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. The court found him guilty of “aiding a terrorist organization” and “making propaganda for a terrorist organization through media.” The case, retried at the Diyarbakır’s 5th High Criminal Court, has ignited debates regarding political motivations behind the charges and fairness in judicial processes in Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) Details of the Court Ruling 2) Legal Defense and Response…

In a significant ruling, Merdan Yanardağ, the editor-in-chief of TELE1 channel, has been acquitted of charges related to the dissemination of false information regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a prominent politician and former leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The decision was made during the fifth hearing of the trial held at the 35th Penal Court of First Instance in İstanbul. This case has stirred debates about press freedom and the boundaries of journalistic reporting in Turkey. Article Subheadings 1) Context of the Charges Against Merdan Yanardağ 2) Details of the Trial Proceedings 3) Legal Implications…

The Turkish main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is intensifying calls for early elections as the political climate heats up. CHP leader Özgür Özel announced that the party would hold primaries on March 23 to select its presidential candidate. This marks a significant moment in Turkish politics, as such primaries are relatively rare, reflecting the party’s strategy amid increasing governmental pressure on potential candidates, notably Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul. Article Subheadings 1) CHP Calls for Early Elections Amid Political Pressure 2) Upcoming Primaries: A Strategic Move 3) Speculation Surrounding Potential Candidates 4) The Political Landscape: A…

In a significant legal development, a U.S. judge has ruled that a Turkish author and her son can be extradited to Turkey to face serious charges following a fatal car crash in Istanbul. The ruling, delivered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell in Boston, has cleared the way for the State Department to consider the extradition, although further litigation may delay the process. The case has garnered attention due to the nature of the accusations against the teenager, who allegedly caused the wreck while driving recklessly, leading to the death of one individual and injuries to others. Article Subheadings 1)…

As the second anniversary of the devastating 2023 earthquakes approaches, the city of Antakya is still grappling with the aftermath and the ongoing housing crisis. Dust and debris cloak the once-thriving area, which now resembles “the world’s largest construction site.” Official reports indicate that nearly 224,000 residents continue to live in makeshift container homes, highlighting the prolonged and often harrowing conditions faced by those affected. The Kyrgyz Tent Camp, a notable settlement, epitomizes the precarious living situation as families await promised housing. Article Subheadings 1) The Ongoing Struggle for Housing 2) The Kyrgyz Tent Camp: A Temporary Solution? 3) Daily…

The Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Mehmet Öntürk, has come under scrutiny for its significant expenditure of 17.5 million Turkish liras (approximately 484 thousand dollars) on a commemoration program for the second anniversary of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck the region on February 6, 2023. This allocation of funds has raised eyebrows amidst ongoing struggles faced by earthquake survivors still residing in makeshift container cities under harsh winter conditions. The contrast between the lavish spending on the official event and the dire needs of the survivors has sparked discussions about priorities in disaster recovery efforts and municipal…

Two years since the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Malatya on February 6, 2023, women residing in makeshift container settlements continue to grapple with significant challenges in accessing essential healthcare services. According to Cansu Kaplan, co-chair of the Malatya Branch of the Health Workers’ Union (SES), these challenges have manifested as increased rates of unplanned pregnancies, a shortage of medical professionals, and overall inadequate healthcare facilities. The consequences of the earthquakes have profoundly affected women’s health, both physically and mentally, creating a pressing need for improved healthcare access and services in the region. Article Subheadings 1) Ongoing Healthcare Challenges Post-Earthquake 2)…

A significant sit-in protest is taking place outside the Van Metropolitan Municipality, which entered its second day on February 12. This action follows the sentencing of Co-Mayor Abdullah Zeydan, a member of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, who received a prison term of three years and nine months. Late-night temperatures plummeted to -8°C, yet hundreds of supporters gathered to voice their discontent, rallying for their elected leaders while denouncing perceived injustices by state authorities. Article Subheadings 1) Background of the Protest 2) The Gathering at Van Municipality 3) Authorities’ Response to the Protest 4) Support from Regional…

In the current landscape of journalism, particularly in smaller cities like Elazığ, local reporters face significant challenges exacerbated by political and economic pressures. Journalists navigate threats, legal obstacles, and societal biases as they strive to uphold their professional independence. The experiences of local journalists reveal the harsh realities of practicing independent journalism while highlighting the importance of ethical reporting even amidst adversity. Article Subheadings 1) A Local Journalist’s Struggle Against Pressures 2) The Inequalities Faced by Women Journalists 3) The Impact of Political Pressures on Reporting 4) The Role of Ethics in Journalism 5) Achieving Independence Amidst Adversity A Local…

Turkish İş Gıda A.Ş., the franchise operator for KFC and Pizza Hut in Turkey, declared bankruptcy on February 12 due to overwhelming debts totaling 7.7 billion TL. The announcement, which has left over 7,000 workers without pay, comes after the company faced significant financial difficulties exacerbated by a sudden termination of its partnership with Yum! Brands, the parent company of these fast-food chains. In response to the closure of its 537 restaurants, İş Gıda has begun laying off employees and plans to address unpaid wages, while workers have raised concerns regarding potential financial misconduct at the company. Article Subheadings 1)…