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New Government: Neo-Liberalism Continues

New Government: Neo-Liberalism Continues

The AKP's new government programme promises a continuation of their neo-liberal policies.

3 September 2007 A. Nilüfer Zengin Kürkçü

hCa Condemns Refugee Death in Police Custody

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

31 August 2007 Tolga Korkut,Ismail Saymaz

Police Not to Be Questioned in Dink Murder Trial

Police Not to Be Questioned in Dink Murder Trial

Although the Istanbul Public Prosecution had posited that Trabzon police officers had "neglected their duties of crime prevention", the Trabzon Governor's Office will not allow the questioning of eight of its officers.

31 August 2007 Tolga Korkut

"New" Cabinet Presented

"New" Cabinet Presented

One of President Abdullah Gül's first duties has been to approve the new cabinet as presented by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This will be the sixtieth government of the Turkish Republic.

31 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç,Gökçe Gündüç

ADL: We Cannot Ignore What Happened to Armenians

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) based in the USA has announced that, contrary to Turkish claims of a retraction, it will not hesitate to recognise an "Armenian genocide".

29 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

"Victory of Muslim Democrats"

"Victory of Muslim Democrats"

Internationally, Gül's presidency has been interpreted as "a victory over the army and the laicist camp".

29 August 2007 Erhan Üstündağ

Gül: Domestic Media Reactions

Gül: Domestic Media Reactions

Most domestic headlines struck a neutral tone, covering Gül's oath-taking ceremony and his inaugural address to parliament.

29 August 2007 Tolga Korkut

First Controversial "First Lady"

According to journalist Atikoglu, Hayrünnisa Gül is the first controversial "first lady". Her headscarf, whether intentional or not, is "a wink in the direction of certain group".

29 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

President Gül: What to Expect

Academics and analysts had made predictions about Gül's presidency before he was elected. Here is a review of what they said.

29 August 2007 Tolga Korkut

Gül Makes Inaugural Speech

In his first speech to parliament after his oath-taking ceremony, Gül has promised to stay faithful to the constitution and embrace all sections of society.

28 August 2007 Tolga Korkut

General Staff Warns of "Increase in Attacks"

In a website message for the 30 August Day of Victory, Büyükanit has warned of an increase in attacks on the Republic. He has reminded soldiers of their duty to protect the Republic.

28 August 2007 Erhan Üstündağ

Abdullah Gül Elected President

Abdullah Gül Elected President

After the two previous ballots did not afford him the necessary majority, Abdullah Gül has been elected president in the third round. He will take over from Sezer at 7.30 pm this evening.

Abdullah Gül to Wait for Third Ballot

After Abdullah Gül fell short of winning enough votes in the second ballot of the presidential elections on Friday, he will have to wait for the third round on Tuesday, where he is likely to win.

27 August 2007 A. Nilüfer Zengin Kürkçü

"Striking is a Democratic Right"

As many trade unions are preparing to strike, the mainstream media is painting them as the villains out to destroy the economy. Labour representatives have argued the contrary.

27 August 2007 Nayat Karaköse

WordPress.com Access Blocked

After a complaint made by Adan Oktar, the website WordPress.com has been blocked to access. This is not the first time that a whole site has been closed down because of the content of one item.

27 August 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

ADL Retracts Genocide Recognition

ADL Retracts Genocide Recognition

Following pressure by Turkey and Israel, the US-based Anti-Defamation League has retracted its recognition of the "Armenian genocide" and has instead called on Turkish-Armenian cooperation to resolve the controversy.

26 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

New Constitution Must Be Pluralist

New Constitution Must Be Pluralist

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.

24 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

A Park Too Much for Activist Ayse Nur Zarakolu

The Diyarbakir governor's office has objected to the naming of a park after deceased human rights activist and publisher Ayse Nur Zarakolu. A court has decreed that she spread "separatist propaganda".

24 August 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Stop Discrimination say Transsexuals

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.

24 August 2007 Ayça Örer

Reactions to Erdogan's "Go"

Reactions to Erdogan's "Go"

After Prime Minister Erdogan said on television that those who could not accept Abdullah Gül as president should give up Turkish citizenship and leave the country, the CHP, the EU and newspaper columnists have reacted.

24 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

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Turkey Must Rethink Child Abuse Law

Following the recent controversy in France, where a Turkish child was raped by a child abuser released from prison, lawyer Akco evaluates Turkish legal provisions and finds them unsatisfactory.

23 August 2007 A. Nilüfer Zengin Kürkçü

US Crisis: Capitalists Win, Workers Lose

US Crisis: Capitalists Win, Workers Lose

Turkey has been one of the countries worst affected by the current financial crisis in the USA. Economists Ercan and Tören predict the success of capitalists and a weakening of labour movements.

23 August 2007 Ayça Örer

Mugla University Needs Democracy Lessons

Trade union Egitim-Sen has pointed to the dismissal of two lecturers as the culmination of rights violations at Mugla University. Other lecturers involved in democratic movements have also been punished.

23 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

Acquittal after Criticising Military Operations

A lawyer and a politician who spoke to Roj TV, the Kurdish satellite television which is not allowed in Turkey, have been acquitted for criticising military operations in the Tunceli area as not solving the problem.

22 August 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Army Will Make Peace with AKP

Assistant Professor Caliskan points out that the AKP and the army are not so different in essence. He does not predict a big crisis, but rather a rapprochement. As the AKP moves to the political centre, the left will either disappear or have to redefine itself.

22 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç

Historian Halacoglu Refuses to Resign

In a press briefing following his controversial comments on Kurds, Alevis and Armenians in Anatolia, historian Yusuf Halacoglu has refused to heed calls for his resignation. He argues that his comments were misunderstood.

General Staff Rejects Journalist's Analysis

General Staff Rejects Journalist's Analysis

Following the comments journalist Metehan Demir made in an interview in the "Radikal" newspaper, the General Staff has published a press release on its website denouncing his claims as "lies". Demir stands behind his analysis.

22 August 2007 Erhan Üstündağ

Historian Halacoglu's Comments "Racist"

On 18 August, Yusuf Halacoglu, president of the Turkish History Foundation (TTK) had made controversial comments on the ethnic make-up of Turkey at a symposium in Kayseri. Associations have called for his resignation.

21 August 2007 Gökçe Gündüç,Gökçe Gündüç

Erdogan: "If You Cannot Accept Gül, Then Go"

Prime Minister Erdogan has suggested that those unable to accept Abdullah Gül as president if he gets elected "should go". CHP chairperson Baykal has said relations with Cankaya will be kept to a minimum.

Plane Hijackers Being Questioned

The two men held for attempting to hijack an Atlas Jet plane heading from Northern Cyprus to Istanbul on Saturday, 18 August, are being questioned.

RSF: Detention of Journalist Yetisgen Inappropriate

The RSF has denounced the "precautionary" detention of Journalist Yetisgen, who used the expression "northern Kurdistan" in an article in his local newspaper in Gaziantep.

21 August 2007 Erol Önderoğlu

Gul Fell Short of Presidency at First Round

Gul Fell Short of Presidency at First Round

The Turkish Parliament today voted in the first round of the presidential elections which had been postponed after the boycott in April. Ruling AKP's candidate Gül failed to secure a two-thirds majority and expected to win in the third round.