On Peace Day (1 September), Turkish organisations called on the newly-formed government to follow policies based on rights and to protect democracy.

After Nigerian refugee Festus Okey was killed in police custody on 20 August, the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly has condemned police violence.

Parties of the left have reacted to announcements that the AKP has completed a draft of a new, "civil" constitution: All strata of society need to be considered and consulted. Otherwise, this will not be a democratic constitution.

The recent murder of transsexual Ece in Bursa has again highlighted the plight of transvestites and transsexuals in Turkey. Deprived of education and work, they are forced into prostitution.

The Commission for Freedom of Expression of the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD) congregated at the Galatasaray post office in central Istanbul to protest against anti-democratic laws, primarily Article 301.

Abdurrahman Tasci of the pro-Kurdish DTP has been arrested because of his involvement in a protest against the disappearance of two HADEP politicians in 2001. The ECHR has ordered Turkey to pay compensation for the disappearance.

Folllowing the complaint by a prisoner, the IHD has appealed to the Penal Execution Judge and the Ministry of Justice to let newspapers and periodicals into prisons. Otherwise, the right to inform is violated.

Rakel Dink, widow of the murdered ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, has appealed to Prime Minister Erdogan to let the Prime Ministerial Review Committee investigate the case further. Her letter has not been answered.

After the initial prison sentence of two suspect army officers was revoked by the court of appeals, lawyers of the third party involved have spoken of a cover-up. They may apply to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Supreme Court of Appeals overturns the verdict against two army officers for bombings in the Şemdinli courtcase. Questioning was incomplete high court decided. Tanrikulu of Diyarbakir Bar Association relates the decision with army pressure.

Halil Savda, currently in military prison in Çorlu for his refusal to do military service, is punished with nine days solitary confinement for disobeying orders. Punishment coincides with the May 15, International Conscientious Objection Day.

Publisher Sırrı Öztürk and writer Tiftikçi are on trial for a critical study on the Turkish army. Public Prosecutor Turhan faces charges for saying, I do not trust the judiciary. Alınak of the DTP party has been sentenced to ten months imprisonment.

The 14-page BIA Media Monitoring Report tackles the ongoing law suits against 45 journalists and five print and media companies. Attacks against news sources have become a new form of violation.

Monitoring media freedoms and rights in Turkey, BIA² discloses its 2006 Report. Cases against journalists, publishers and activists rose to 293 last year where the infamous article 301 of the new Penal Code reached international scene as intransigent tool

Joint Platform on Human Rights gathers international and local institutions as well as academics and activists for a three-day conference titled Freedom of Expression: Principles and Turkey. All participants note that a mentality change is needed.

59 years imprisonment demanded for 7 reporters covering conscientious objection and the Kurdish issue during the last three months. Number of 301 victims has reached 65. 5 people are on trailed under charges of violating the Law to Protect Ataturk.

Press Council Chair Eksi says concept of Turkishness in controversial penal code article 301 should be replaced with The Turkish Nation proposing for maximum jail term to be reduced to 1 year, investigations to be authorized by Justice Ministry.

Search for solution to article 301 presses PM Erdogan to conduct talks with business and unions while human rights circles are in contact with Foreign Minister Gul. Minister Babacan wants strong civil society support.

Human Rights Foundation chair Onen condemns the attack on 30 lawyers who went to Justice Hall to file for damages against Justice Minister Cicek. Says arbitrary action by police not in line with a state of law, asks for investigation.

Local journalists who covered the killing of an 11-year-old Kurdish girl by security forces in September are being investigated under article 301 for publicly denigrating the military and police establishment.