Mahmutoğlu from the Rize Representation of the Architects Chamber criticized: ""These incidents happen because the work of engineers is being done by craftsmen. The ground has not been surveyed and the steel structure leaves doubts".

12 people died in floods and a landslide caused by heavy rain in the city of Rize. 6 people are missing, 7 were injured. The vast majority of the area is covered with mud. Mayor Bakırcı expressed his concern for a further rise in the number of casualties.

None of the defendants was released in the second hearing of the trial regarding 10 members the Peace Groups. Two groups came to Turkey in 2009 to make their contribution to the democratic opening process related to the Kurdish question.

The ECHR is going to pronounce its decision on the Hrant Dink case on 14 September. The state is likely to apply for an amicable agreement before. Joint attorney Çetin doubts that the family of the slain Turkish-Armenian journalist will go for a compromise.

Journalist Zengin from the Işçi-Köylü newspaper appeared at court for the first time after one year in detention. The demand for her release was rejected "despite a lack of evidence and no connections with the other defendants", lawyer Altay criticized. The next hearing is in February 2011.

Forensic Medicine expert Prof. Biçer prepared the first independent report on the death of 12-year old Ceylan Önkol, who died under controversial circumstances last year. The report reveals inaccuracies and deficiencies of the official reports.

14 professional press organizations decided to establish a "Freedom for Journalists Platform" and a "Commission for Action" for journalists who are detained because of their writings. Head of the platform is the President of the Turkish Journalists Association Erinç.

Evrensel reporter Topsakal received a threat via an e-mail which included a photograph of Turkish-Armenian journalists Dink after his assassination because of an article Topsakal wrote for the daily. He filed a criminal complaint.

10 percent of the Turkish population is illiterate according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. 84 percent of this group are women. Even if the Turkish education system succeeds in time to make more people literate, this cannot close the gap between men and women.

Lawyer Fethiye Çetin, joint attorney of the Dink family, criticized that rights violations continue in the trials and investigations related to the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Harnt Dink. Another application to the ECHR is on its way once domestic remedies are exhausted.

The Writers Association demands the release of journalist Zengin from the Işçi-Köylü newspaper after one year in detention. Her first hearing is on 26 August. Spokesperson Zarakolu criticized, "As long as the Anti-Terror Law is in force, journalists will be treated arbitrarily".

Lawyer Keresticioğlu stated that even after the amendments of the Anti-Terror Law, children still remain in detention under charges of "membership of an illegal organization" and "carrying explosives". The lawyer demanded amendments of the Turkish Criminal Law for the release of the children.

Democratic Society Congress Co-Chair Türk stated that with the ceasefire announced by the PKK, the military operations should be stopped as well. He listed 5 steps to be taken to resolve the Kurdish problem, a "democratic autonomy is a project of voluntary unity".

The family of Hrant Dink, killed Turkish-Armenian journalist, won their case at the European Court of Human Rights. PM Erdoğan on the other hand refused permission for an investigation into alleged negligence of MIT members related to the murder.

The General Staff Directorate denied allegations that they deliberately avoided the use of Heron air vehicles in the PKK attack on Han Tepe in July. However, the announcement does not explain alleged communication between military personnel.

President Gül received Hosrof Dink, brother of killed Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, in Istanbul on Friday (20 August). Related to the state's recent defence to the ECHR, judge Türmen called the state to apologize and admit a mistake.

The Doğan Yayın Holding lost its case regarding tax claims of TL 713 million for 2006 in one of their trials filed against a TL 4.8 billion tax fine imposed by the Ministry of Finance. The company is going to appeal.

The constitutional reform package passed through parliament in May is creating a constant stir in the run-up to the referendum on 12 September. PM Erdoğan came under criticism for urging employers' organizations to show their colours as others did before.

A group of volunteers in Batman initiated a rehabilitation program for children who were recently released from prison after the amendments of the Anti-Terror Law. Coordinator Ipekyuz said that the children and their families need at least 2 years of therapy.

145 NGOs from Diyarbakir assessed the PKK's decision for a ceasefire as a "huge opportunity to find a peaceful solution for the Kurdish question". They called for an end of military operations and not to exclude any of the involved sections.