Prof. Oran says France is using Armenians and the genocide question to exclude Turkey from the EU: Fear of globalization has spread everywhere. Economist Sonmez warns that this debate can put Tukey off the rail on the way to EU membership.

Journalists Mahcupyan, Dink and Zarakolu blast French Genocide Bill as a product of repressive mentalities similar to the ones in Turkey: This bill is ethically illegal and Armenian history needs to be treated with conscience, not laws

Prior to the upcoming International Independent Media Forum we asked journalists what kind of a media and journalism they wanted. They expressed the same difficulties and requests. Radikal; Milliyet, Vatan and Cumhuriyets reporters are talking...

Balbal protests obstacles in front of freedom of opinion and Penal Code article 301 at Justice Ministry gates after being sentenced to 10 months for his book Flowers of Blood From A Captive General on Ararat.

Approximately 70 organizations and individuals have issued an appeal for the PKK cease-fire period to be properly evaluated and for existing problems to be addressed without prejudice: PKK must put down arms for good

Contemporary Journalists Association Chair Abakay calls on FIJ Secretary General White to act against a bill criminalizing the denial of Armenian Genocide before the French Parliament votes on it on October 12: Do not extend your hands to be shackled

The subjects of both stories are the same:Torture under detention allegations. Journalists who filed the stories have been charged for influencing justice. Cumhuriyet reporter Turgut has been sentenced to a fine and Radikals Saymaz is still on trial.

Public Prosecutors Office rejects request from Bursa Governorship to close down Rainbow Association saying homosexuality is not an offence and reiterates that there will be no prosecution with a reference to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Istanbul court starts to hear case against Calislars Latife Hanim and Hurriyet Editor Necdet Tatlican on charges of Insulting Ataturk. Both face 4.5 years imprisonment if found guilty. Defendants dont attend first trial.

Investigation started against academics from the Police Academy who contributed to TESEVs 2005 Security Almanac. Investigation follows sharp criticisms by Chief of General Staff on Monday.

Three journalists charged for a news article join among newsmen to be tried at Specialized Criminal Courts established to replacement State Security Courts. Charges against the journalists are based on coverages of Kurdish speakers in London

Istanbul court acquits Kurbanoglu under 301 charges for a speech he made in 2006. Ozgur-Der calls for 301 and all legislation restricting freedom of expression to be abolished while he says despite acquittal, the cause of the case should not be forgotten.

European Court grants Ozgur Bakis newspaper writer Fikret Baskaya nearly 9,000 Euro compensation for Turkeys sentencing of him to 1 year imprisonment. Baskaya was charged and found guilty of separatist propaganda. ECHR rules penalty was disproportio

MAZLUMDER Chairman says statements made by Turkeys Chief of Staff and President reflect a mentality of increasing polarization in the society, showing targets and discriminating: Tension between institutions is serving to repress demands for freedom.

Human Rights Association says PKK cease-fire is a historic opportunity for solving the Kurdish problem through democratic means: Care should be taken against provocations; PKK should give democratic methods a chance; society should participate in debate.

Human Rights Foundation chair Onen, following the chief of staff Buyukanits statement talks about secularism, civilian-military relations, PKKs cease-fire declaration, the armys role, and Fascist expressions against human rights escalating .

Public prosecutors charges Mersin 78ers Association Chairman Ethem Dincer and Ozgur Der member Bahadir Kurbanoglu of Istanbul under controversial Penal Code article 301. Dincer goes on trial October 3 and Kurbanoglu appears before court on December 15.

Social Forum of Turkey convenes in Istanbul over the weekend bringing together the countrys opposition groups from anti-war movements to NGOs, unions to trade chambers. In more than 40 meetings held , the highlighted message was: End USA Imperialism.

AI Turkey branch demands international procedures and court case be launched against Greek authorities for deportation of 40 refugees forced to abandon boat into Turkish territorial waters last Monday. 6 bodies recovered but 3 still missing.

Dicle News Agency reporter Birol Duru and IHD member Daimi Acig have been sentenced to 6 years 3 months imprisonment each for aiding the PKK organization. Duru was released in 2005 after serving 4.5 months in jail and will appeal against verdict.