GSU Students Launch Petition to Save Campus
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Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)
Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
At least 54 people have died, and 40 others remain in intensive care in the capital city of Ankara after consuming counterfeit alcohol, according to forensic reports cited by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The deaths are being investigated as part of a broader probe led by the Ankara, Polatlı, and Ankara West Prosecutor’s Offices into smuggling and "causing death with probable intent."
Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in connection with the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol, while 25 others have been released under judicial control, Anadolu Agency reported.
High taxes and weak regulation
The Chamber of Chemical Engineers (TMMOB) has previously warned that Turkey’s high taxes on alcoholic beverages, combined with insufficient regulatory oversight, are driving an increase in counterfeit alcohol production.
In a statement issued late last year following similar fatalities, the chamber called for stricter enforcement and a reduction in Turkey’s special consumption tax on alcohol.
The government has gradually increased taxes on alcoholic beverages over the years. As of 2025, the fixed-rate Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) for alcoholic beverages with 22% or more alcohol content has risen to 1,428 liras, up from 1,269.73 liras, which had been in effect since July 3, 2024. This means over 60% of the retail price of a bottle of rakı, a traditional spirit with an alcohol content about 45%, consists of taxes.
Methanol-laced alcohol behind fatalities
According to TMMOB, many counterfeit alcohol-related deaths result from the use of methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, in place of ethanol. The chamber explained the difference between counterfeit and smuggled alcohol, noting that while smuggled alcohol includes homemade distilled beverages, counterfeit alcohol involves fraudulent branding and packaging to imitate legitimate products. Such products have led to the deaths of hundreds of people over the years.
Both, however, pose serious health risks. "Alcohol production requires chemical expertise and must be conducted under industrial conditions with proper regulatory approval," the chamber stated.
TMMOB warned that methanol consumption is particularly dangerous. "Methanol oxidizes in the body into formic acid and formaldehyde, which cause severe damage. Initial symptoms include effects on the central nervous system, and as consumption increases, it can lead to respiratory failure, seizures, paralysis, blindness, coma, and ultimately death," the statement said.
The chamber also criticized the government's approach to discouraging alcohol consumption through taxation. "Increasing taxes is not an effective way to reduce alcohol consumption," it stated, adding that such policies have failed in other countries and instead push people toward illegal and dangerous alternatives.
"Counterfeit alcohol poses a serious risk of death and long-term organ damage. Preventing illicit alcohol production requires strict inspections by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry and public awareness campaigns to educate people on the dangers," the statement concluded. (AEK/VK)
Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)
Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)
DEM Party delegation meets Iraqi Kurdish leaders amid peace process talks
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A delegation from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil as part of ongoing discussions regarding a potential peace process in Turkey.
The delegation, which included senior DEM officials, members of parliament, and lawyers representing Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), held a closed-door meeting with Barzani that lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Following the talks, Keskin Bayındır, co-leader of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), an ally of the DEM, said in a press conference that the meeting was "conducted in a spirit of brotherhood." He added that Barzani expressed a "positive and national stance" toward a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue.
"President Nechirvan Barzani and his delegation were determined to support the peace process," Bayındır said. "He stressed that resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey would be crucial for the future of the Kurdish people and that all Kurdish actors should work toward peace."
Bayındır also noted that the delegation conveyed Öcalan’s greetings and messages about the ongoing discussions. "Öcalan values the thoughts of both Mesut Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani on the matter."
![Öcalan preparing 'historic statement' on Kurdish peace process, says DEM leader](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/04/bakirhan-ocalan-onumuzdeki-gunlerde-bir-tarihi-cagriya-hazirlaniyor.jpg)
Öcalan preparing 'historic statement' on Kurdish peace process, says DEM leader
The delegation emphasized that resolving the Kurdish issue through political and legal means, rather than conflict, would benefit not only Turkey but also the broader Middle East. "The issue has become both a regional and a national matter, and global powers are discussing its resolution," Bayındır said.
The DEM delegation yesterday met with Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Their talks lasted nearly two hours and focused on Öcalan’s stance on the peace process and the role of Kurdish political actors.
The delegation is set to continue its meetings in Sulaymaniyah, where it will meet with Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.
Barzani's message to PKK
Following the meeting, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) released a statement reaffirming Barzani’s commitment to supporting the peace process. According to the statement, Barzani "reiterated his full support for efforts toward peace and stability in Turkey."
He also called on all parties to work toward "the success of this process and the strengthening of Kurdish-Turkish relations," emphasizing that peace would benefit everyone in the region.
According to Rudaw, Barzani urged the PKK to approach the process with a long-term vision. "Our experience has shown that war and weapons do not resolve issues," he was quoted as saying. "I hope the PKK takes a strategic approach and does not miss this historic opportunity."
Barzani echoed similar sentiments at the Munich Security Conference a day earlier, stating that "PKK must take Öcalan’s call seriously."
Turkey’s new peace initiative
The visit comes amid renewed discussions about a potential peace process in Turkey, initiated by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli in October. Bahçeli proposed that Öcalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, could play a role in dissolving the PKK and that he might be eligible for "right to hope" provisions under Turkish law, potentially leading to his release.
Following Bahçeli’s statements, a DEM Party delegation was granted rare access to Öcalan, marking his first known meetings with the outside world in years. The delegation met with him twice at İmralı Prison in December and January.
Öcalan is now expected to issue a statement regarding the process, which observers believe may take place in late February or early March. (VK)
Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)
Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post
![Social media personality Merve Taşkın placed under house arrest over ‘obscene’ Valentine’s Day post](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/sosyal-medya-fenomeni-merve-taskina-ev-hapsi.jpg)
Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups
![Dozens detained in raids targeting pro-Kurdish, leftist groups](https://static.bianet.org/list-haber/2025/02/18/dozens-detained-in-raids-targeting-pro-kurdish-leftist-groups.jpg)
Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision
![Talent manager Ayşe Barım remains in custody after court overturns release decision](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/istanbul-cumhuriyet-bassavciligi-nin-itiraziyla-ayse-barim-in-tahliyesi-durduruldu.jpg)
Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production
![Dozens dead in Turkey due to counterfeit alcohol as high taxes drive illicit production](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/17/ankara-sahte-ickiden-54-kisi-oldu.jpeg)
Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan
![Journalist Ozan Kaplanoğlu imprisoned over 2013 conviction for insulting Erdoğan](https://static.bianet.org/haber/2025/02/18/gazeteci-ozan-kaplanoglu-basbakana-hakaretten-tutuklandi.jpg)