Gay and Lesbian Research Association criticizes RTUKs warning on TV fashion program found guilty for legitimizing homosexuality. Says Radio & Television Supreme Council had better address homophobic programs then pass judgment on homosexuallity.

Istanbul courts to be busy this week with journalists, jurist and publisher on trial. Journalist Magden to appear at court on June 7, columnist Belge, reporter Saymaz, Selek and jurist Kaplan on June 8 and Peri Publishing House owner Onal on June 9.

Istanbul court sentences publisher Ahmet Onal to 13 months imprisonment for Passions and Captives book authored by Cicek. Publisher found guilty for insulting modern Turkeys founder Kemal Ataturk and will have to serve sentence if appeal fails.

2-day Freedom of Expression Workshop directed at lawyers held at Istanbuls Hotel Villa under the framework of the BİA² project. 32 lawyers from 15 provinces attended the May 27-28 gathering where communication freedom or lack of it was core of debate.

Mus provincial National Education Directorate reproaches and then cautions literature teacher for writing articles for a local newspaper after Adiyaman governors office warns civil servants not to write public articles.

New Public Tenders Bill threatens to restrict key income source of public adverts to local dailies. The owners and editors believe the draft set before Parliament may be a death warrant for what has come to be known as the Anatolian Press.

Amnesty launched its Global Week of Action Against Small Arms with activities in Turkey over the weekend. Campaign Coordinator Vardar says UN conference to review small arms in June is important opportunity for countries to work together to disarm.

Jurist Dogan investigated by Beyoglu Prosecutor for an article voicing views on new Anti-Terror Bill and its place in the scope of international law. Suspect is teacher of defendant rights and defence in practice and author of book under same title.

Pro-Islamic Vakit newspaper owner Nuri Aykon and Editor-in-Chief Aksoy face up to 34.5 years in prison if found guilty on charges. Case listed for June 13. New investigation launched on papers possible soliciting of armed attack on State Council.

The International Prisons Conference was held in Ankara during the weekend. Academics and human rights activists discussed women and children rights in prison, isolation of inmates, methods to prevent and monitor torture, the ban on enforced labor rights.

Antimilitarist activists stage traditional tourist event to reveal militarist policies. Militourism festival held despite heavy rain and even heavier police intervention that forces program change. Activists critical of state, ongoing 20 year war.

Reporter Ozbaris faces fourth court case for discouraging people from military service for reports and interviews published by pro-Kurdish Gundem daily. Journalist faces 12 years jail for publishing statement by conscientious objector Halil Savda.

Grenade hurled at Istanbul headoffice of daily for 3 times in a week. No casualties reported in Thursdays blast where a percussion bomb was used. Editor-in-Chief Yıldız says Attack against democracy and press freedom.

Court acquits Professor Dr. Ibrahim Kaboglu, the former head of the Human Rights Advisory Board of the Prime Ministry (BIHDK), and board member Professor Doctor Baskin Oran on hatred and enmity charges for proposing Turkey citizenry instead of Turk.

Milli Gazete writer Mehmet Sevket Eygi is sentenced to 1 year imprisonment for inciting hatred and enmity in last years article No Effort or Patriotism Left. Term not to be deferred but appeal being made.

Journalist couple Selmi Yilmaz and Fakir Yılmaz sentenced to pay 5,800 USD in damages to Ardahan police chief for reports and articles blaming local police for failing to cope with growing prostitution.

Press Council deputy chair Dogan Heper criticizes police inspectors for inviting Milliyet reporter Tolga Sardan to obtain information. Says inspectors should know their place and respect confidentiality of news sources.

Author Osman Tiftikci and publisher Sirri Ozturk charged with publicly degrading the army in book titled The Evolution of The Army from the Ottomans to Today. Case to be heard on June 20.

The campaign starts at noon as Parliament Justice Commission begins debating new Anti-Terror Bill. Activists using phone and mobile networks to lodge protests to Commission members and MPs. 5-minute protest over 11 provinces may mark major civil action.

Bosphorus University hosts 2-day Human Rights Symposium starting Wednesday. Ferhat Kentel and Murat Akan to speak on Human Rights in Europe, Meryem Koray and Fusun Ustel to cover The others in Turkey. Can Candans documentary Walls to be screened.