Neither the minority rights, nor the freedom of religion, faith and conscience enshrined in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, conformity to which is an obligation for Turkey, have really come to life.

The Freedom for Journalists Platform supported journalist Saymaz at his latest hearing. Olcayto said on behalf of the platform, "The trials and investigations against journalists prove a lack of press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey".

In disregard to the ECHR decision, the District Administrative Court again refused permission for an investigation about officials from the Istanbul Police Directorate on duty prior to the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Dink. Lawyer Çetin: "This is incredible".

Turkey received a warning from the Council of Europe: Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights, demanded Turkey to lift religious indication on IDs and to abolish compulsory religious education at school.

Journalist Erdal Güler, owner of the Revolutionary Democracy newspaper, was sentenced to six months in jail. Güler was just released last October after three years in prison. Another trial on "propaganda for an illegal organization" is still pending against him.

According to the July-August-September 2010 Media Monitoring Report by the Independent Communication Network (BIA) Media Monitoring Desk, the judiciary persecutes independent media and media that voice different opinions on the "Kurdish Problem". Its justification: "fighting against terrorism."

The trial regarding the Sur Municipality's decision for "Multilingual Municipality Services" resulted in the acquittal of Sur District Mayor Demirbaş, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Mayor Baydemir and 19 members of the municipality council.

The family of slain Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink called on state ministers to implement the finalized decision of the ECHR on the Hrant Dink case. In a letter, the family urged for an effective and in-depth investigation and a change of attitude to avoid further violations.

The head of a rights organization, Kaya, journalist Karahasanoğlu from Vakit newspaper and Kenan Kıran are standing trial for criticizing judicial decisions. Kaya claimed that freedom of criticism also included "disturbing statements" according to decisions of the ECHR.

The trial against court reporter Erdal from Zaman newspaper was postponed again. Erdal, editorial manager Beşer and Ankara correspondent Arslan are tried in a joint case because of articles on the release of detained "Ergenekon" and "Sledgehammer" defendants.

Turkey has to pay € 16,000 in compensation to Faruk Temel, member of the People's Democracy Party, by reason of a breach of the right to freedom of expression. German national Mehmet Desde was also compensated by the ECHR related to torture allegations.

Upon a resolution of questions submitted by Peace and Democracy Party member Kurtulan, National Defence Minister Gönül announced that a total of 408 soldiers "died of suicide" throughout the past five years.

Posta Newspaper writer Candaş Tolga Işık was heavily criticized in several provinces for his article "Satellite dish terrorism in the south-east". Protestors called for a boycott of the Doğan Media Group. Professional press organizations remained silent till now.

The Human Rights Association, Ceylan Publishin and publisher Zarakolu condemned the arrest of writer Hasan Basri Aydın. Erdoğu from Ceylan Publishing criticized, "He should not have been imprisoned at his age and in his desolate health condition".

The 'Initiative for a Constitution from All for All' organized a symposium on a new constitution in Istanbul. Politicians, journalists, members of NGOs and religious representatives gave their views on the essentials of a new constitution.

Taraf newspaper journalists Altan, Çongar, Düzel, Kılıçgedik and Esayan and former employee Çiçek were among the numerous Taraf employees who gave their statements regarding 38 cases tried at the Kadıköy 2nd Court of First Instance on 28 January.

At the first hearing on the grounds of the book "Justice in a Gown", Prosecutor Şanal claimed an "attack on his personal rights". Şanal claims a compensation from journalist Taşçı, author of the book. The case was postponed.

The Turkish singer Pınar Sağ was sentenced to imprisonment of ten months on charges of "praising" killed leftist revolutionist İbrahim Kaypakkaya. The Contemporary Lawyers Association criticized the decision and called for an end of the "judicial terror".

The trial launched by former Prisons and Arrest Stations General Manager Ertosun against bianet co-ordinator Kürkçü and Lawyer Tanay of the Contemporary Lawyers Association was postponed to March. At the same day, Ertoson made journalist Talu publish a disclaimer.

A Malatya court sentenced Kurdish folk musician Tunç to one month imprisonment on the grounds of his statement at a festival and postponed the pronouncement of judgement. The Court of Appeals had quashed the first verdict of the local court for Tunç's acquittal.