A tragic incident unfolded on May 9, when Erol Eğrek, a former employee of a Çalık Holding-owned textile factory in Turkmenistan, died following a confrontation with security personnel outside the company’s headquarters in İstanbul. The altercation stemmed from a long-standing dispute over unpaid compensation, totaling 7 million Turkish liras (approximately $180,000) that Eğrek had been pursuing for more than a decade. Eyewitness accounts report that the situation escalated violently, prompting labor unions and civil society organizations to protest against the company, raising concerns over worker rights and safety. Article Subheadings 1) Details of the Violent Incident 2) Family Disputes Cause…
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 historic move, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced its disbandment, a decision that aligns with the appeal from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan. This significant announcement comes alongside tributes to two founding members, Ali Haydar Kaytan and Rıza Altun, who recently passed away. Öcalan’s acknowledgment of their legacy highlights the ongoing complexities in Turkey’s long-standing conflict with the PKK, a development that raises critical questions about peace negotiations and future relations between the Turkish government and the Kurdish population. Article Subheadings 1) Background of the PKK’s Decision to Disband 2) Öcalan’s Message and Legacy 3) Political Implications…
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced plans to dissolve itself, marking a significant shift in its long-standing armed struggle. This decision, made during a recent congress, hinges on the release of its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, as well as necessary legal reforms to secure Kurdish rights. Senior PKK officials have expressed that without these changes, disarmament will be challenging, emphasizing the importance of trust between the PKK and the Turkish state. Article Subheadings 1) Historical Milestone: PKK’s Self-Dissolution 2) Conditions for Disarmament Highlighted by PKK Leadership 3) Political Reactions and Calls for Action 4) Background Context of the PKK’s…
In a significant political development, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced its decision to disband, bringing an end to its four-decade-long armed insurgency against Turkey. This declaration follows a peace initiative involving PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who called for the disbandment during a recent congress held under challenging conditions. The decision has been met with a mix of apprehension and hope, as the Turkish government views it as a crucial step towards achieving stability and a terror-free environment in the region. Key figures in the government have expressed the need for the disbandment to be implemented thoroughly and monitored…
The recent 12th Congress of the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) marks a historic turning point in the Kurdish freedom movement. Convened from May 5 to May 7 under considerable security challenges, the congress addressed critical issues and made significant resolutions regarding the movement’s future. With 232 delegates participating, the congress culminated in the decision to dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and end the armed struggle, ushering in what they describe as a new era focused on democratic politics. Article Subheadings 1) Overview of the PKK 12th Congress and Key Resolutions 2) Historical Context of the PKK and Kurdish Struggles 3)…
In a significant turn of events, officials from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party have expressed cautious optimism following the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) recent announcement to dissolve and cease its armed struggle. This declaration is seen as a historic opportunity to promote peace and democratization in Turkey. With the recent developments following a congress held between May 5–7, the PKK has placed a strong emphasis on the need for political engagement and legal guarantees, signaling a possible transition in the long-standing conflict in the region. Article Subheadings 1) Optimism from the DEM Party 2) The Role of…
After an incredible journey spanning multiple continents and overcoming countless obstacles, Gürkan Genç has arrived in Canada, marking his 71st country on a transformative journey that began in 2012. Arriving in Vancouver on April 14, 2025, he has pedaled over 140,000 kilometers, forging connections with communities and individuals along the way. This article delves into his adventures, reflections on his travels, and the aspiration to inspire others through his journey. Article Subheadings 1) Arrival in Vancouver: A New Chapter Begins 2) The Journey and Its Challenges 3) Overcoming Adversity: Stories from the Road 4) The Impact of Cycling: More than…
The 2025 World Press Freedom Index has delivered its annual verdict, and for Turkey, it is a declaration of national shame. In a new historic low, Turkey has fallen to 159th place out of 180 nations, firmly entrenching it in the “very serious” category—the bottom rung of the global ladder, reserved for regimes where journalism is treated not as a profession, but as a crime. This is not a statistic. It is the final, damning report card on a two-decade project of systematic deconstruction, meticulously executed by the AKP government under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to dismantle the free press and,…
The potential dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is on the horizon, according to remarks made by Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party. This announcement comes in light of a recent peace initiative aimed at resolving longstanding tensions in the Kurdish region. The PKK, which has made headlines for its history of insurgency, may soon be taking a significant step towards disarmament, following an important appeal from their jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan. Article Subheadings 1) PKK Prepares for Potential Dissolution 2) Recent Developments from PKK Congress 3) Context of the Kurdish Peace Initiative…
Recent violent incidents in Turkey have reignited discussions about the normalization of aggression within society. A particularly shocking event involved an ex-partner shooting his former wife in broad daylight, illustrating a disturbing trend of increasing fatalities attributed to violent acts. As officials and analysts reflect on the impact of societal climate on such behaviors, parallels are drawn to rising intolerance and aggression observed in other countries, including the UK and the USA. Article Subheadings 1) Understanding the Context of Violence in Turkey 2) The Global Landscape: Similarities in Rising Aggression 3) The Role of Political Rhetoric and the Media 4)…