Emir Çelik - Bianet

Emir Çelik

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Local Journalist Shot and Wounded

Local Journalist Shot and Wounded

Uşak.tv news site owner Şen was shot at in front of his home. He was injured at his legs. The attacker was arrested. Şen commented, "It is not important who did this but who made him do this".

25 January 2011

PM Erdoğan's Trial against "Beyoğlu Troupe" Started

PM Erdoğan's Trial against "Beyoğlu Troupe" Started

At the first hearing of the case filed by PM Erdoğan against 16 university students of the Beyoğlu Troupe of Actors, witness Güçbilmez from the AKP stated, "I did not actually hear the song but I was told about it". The trial was adjourned to 25 March.

24 January 2011

Laws Designed to Try Dissidents and Journalists?

Laws Designed to Try Dissidents and Journalists?

Journalists Atay and Çelik are tried over charges of "praising crime and a criminal" for news related to members of the KCK and PKK. Journalists Düzel and Demir are prosecuted under the Anti-Terror Law. "Violation of secrecy" is another popular reason to sue journalists.

20 January 2011

Journalist Yılmaz Attacked Twice in Three Months

Journalist Yılmaz Attacked Twice in Three Months

Journalist Yılmaz was apparently attacked by bodyguards of the Mayor of Esenyurt (Istanbul). This is the second attack against Yılmaz in three months. At the same time, 80 attendants of an Alevi press release in Antalya are facing prosecution.

19 January 2011

PM Erdoğan Brings Writer Altan to Trial

PM Erdoğan Brings Writer Altan to Trial

After PM Erdoğan launched court cases against author Ataol Behramoğlu, journalist Oktay Ekşi and members of the Beyoğlu Troupe of Actors, he now also pressed a heavy compensation claim against journalist Ahmet Altan from Taraf newspaper.

19 January 2011

Cashman: "Double Standards Lead to Double Misery"

LGBT CONFERENCE

Cashman: "Double Standards Lead to Double Misery"

LGBT rights advocator Cashman criticized that access to correct information on LGBT individuals was restricted. "This conveys the message of a second class life to young LGBT individuals", he argued. "The struggle for equality is a struggle for all of us".

18 January 2011

Politicians Sue Journalists, Writers and Illustrators

Politicians Sue Journalists, Writers and Illustrators

The trial against the Beyoğlu Troupe opened upon the complaint of PM Erdoğan will start on 21 January. Journalist Ekşi is also facing prosecution. At the same time, CHP Deputy Mengü complained about the cartoon book "The young Mustafa" on the life of Mustafa Atatürk.

13 January 2011

"Freedom and Security for Press Workers"

WORKING JOURNALISTS DAY

"Freedom and Security for Press Workers"

On the Working Journalists Day on 10 January, the Freedom for Journalists Platform demanded to release detained journalists and lift government applications that obstruct press freedom. Journalist Şener argued that "pressure of journalists against journalists should be revealed".

11 January 2011

'Rainbow' LGBT Association Closed Down by Court Decision

'Rainbow' LGBT Association Closed Down by Court Decision

A court in Bursa decided for the closure of the Rainbow LGBT Association. The case was opened two years ago upon the complaint of the Bursa Governorship. Association President Özen commented, "This is a deplorable decision, but our struggle will not cease".

"Taraf" Newspaper Writers under Protest

EGG ATTACKS

"Taraf" Newspaper Writers under Protest

Taraf newspaper writer Margulies was attacked with eggs and paint bags in a panel discussion in Çanakkale. A panel discussion with journalists Baransu and Uslu had to be interrupted and cancelled because of a quarrel in the audience.

14 December 2010

The Potential Advantage of Bilingualism for Turkey

The Potential Advantage of Bilingualism for Turkey

The Initiative for Reforms in Education underlined the need for research and preparation regarding "Bilingual Education". The perception of languages needs to be changed and primary education should be improved urgently, the initiative claimed.

10 December 2010

Kurdish Mayor Yetişkin in Prison

Kurdish Mayor Yetişkin in Prison

Ruken Yetişmiş, Mayor of Yüksekova in south-eastern Turkey, went to jail after the 6-month postponement of her sentence elapsed on 5 December. She will probably be released after 7 months and 10 days. The Kurdish politician considers her sentence a "political" punishment.

8 December 2010

The Internet's Role for a Participatory Democracy

15TH TURKISH INTERNET CONFERENCE

The Internet's Role for a Participatory Democracy

The 15th Turkish Internet Conference themed "Mobile Life" brought up the subject of the medium's participation in democracy. The three-day event at the Istanbul Technical University is attended by journalist, politicians and experts in the field.

3 December 2010

IFEX Members Urge UN to Prevent Violence against Women Journalists

IFEX Members Urge UN to Prevent Violence against Women Journalists

44 members of IFEX, among them the Initiative Against Thought Crimes and the IPS Communication Foundation, urged UN Women Head Michelle Bachelet to take measures regarding violence against women who struggle for freedom of expression and are exposed to violence and oppression due to their gender.

25 November 2010

International Focus on Trial against journalists Şık and Mavioğlu

International Focus on Trial against journalists Şık and Mavioğlu

Ahmet Şık and Ertuğrul Mavioğlu, co-authors of two books about the Ergenekon investigation, were supported by human rights advocator Judith Chomsky and Çayan Demirel. Noam Chomsky missed the hearing on 8 October because his flight was delayed.

11 October 2010

Video Sharing Site Vimeo.com Banned

Video Sharing Site Vimeo.com Banned

Three years after the access ban of YouTube, the video sharing site Vimeo.com was temporarily banned as well. The Telecommunication Communication Presidency blocked access for a few days upon a "protection decision" issued by the Ankara Public Chief Prosecution.

Appeal against Arrests of SDP and TÖP Members

PERSECUTED POLITITCAL GROUPS

Appeal against Arrests of SDP and TÖP Members

The lawyers of ten members of the legal organizations SDP and TÖP appealed against the arrest of their clients. A total of 13 members of both legal political groups were arrested on 25 September. The Human Rights Association Istanbul filed a complaint against the Istanbul police.

Persecuted Left Groups Sue Local TV for Slandering

PRESSURE ON POLITICAL GROUPS

Persecuted Left Groups Sue Local TV for Slandering

Joint attorneys of the political organizations SDP and TÖP filed a criminal complaint against officials of the Küre.tv internet site because of biased broadcasts about the arrest of 13 members of SDP and TÖP. The lawyers will appeal to the arrests on 30 September.

29 September 2010

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