Journalist Birgul Ozbaris faces a total of 21 years imprisonment in seven separate charges of discouraging people from military service. Being against militarism is being against war she says.

Weekly Tempo magazine reporter Tayman and Editor in Chief Barlas face up to six years jail for published interview of KURD-DER spokesman Guclu. Journalists charged with insulting Turkishness and inciting disobedience to laws.

Istanbul court acquits Radikal newspaper journalist Murat Belge on charges of attempting to influence the outcome of judicial proceedings by criticizing a court ban on Conference on Ottoman Armenians.

On trial for her article Conscientious Objection is a Human Right, Magden faces protest from families of soldiers killed in action. Police crack teams called in to maintain discipline at court where prosecution demands 3 years imprisonment for author.

Concerned for three journalists appearing before court this week New York based Committee to Protect Journalists calls Turkish government to repel laws restrictive of freedom of expression.

Istanbul court acquits jurist Hasip Kaplan for his views on Kurdish Question in a TV talk show, concluding he did not incite hatred and enmity. Presiding Judge Uncu agrees with Prosecutor Akillis opinion that his remarks did not lead to violence.

BİA² and UNICEF Turkey hold two-day Children Rights News Reporting training meeting in Usak on invitation of governor Kayhan Kavas. 26 reporters attend occasion where target is set to create Turkeys first child-friendly media network.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.