Activists demanded the Minister of Environment that the Dutch ship Otapan loaded with high levels of asbestos should be sent back. Netherlands sent the ship to Izmir for tearing down but rejected to declare the level of toxic waste involved.

Journalist Ipek Calislar will be tried for insulting Ataturk in her last book, Latife Hanim, where hes told to wear a scarf to avoid murder. Lawyer Kanar says that prosecutors are givin way to nationalism by taking such individual complaints seriously.

The Attorney Generalship of Ankara had banned Kaos GL gay and lesbian solidarity foundations publication issue on pornography. The First Instance Criminal Court rejected their appeal. The Foundation is preparing to carry the case to the ECHR.

Thousands of anti-war protesters gathered in Kadikoy demanding Israel to withdraw immediately from Lebanese and Palestine soil as well as closure of military bases and abolition of bilateral treaties with Israel from the government.

It has been seven years since the Marmara Earthquake in Kocaeli that took thousands of lives and left many more without a home. As experts warn for another disaster threat for Istanbul, no concrete precautions had been put in place by the government.

Some degree of Turkish is essential if you are intended to stay for a relatively longer time in Istanbul. Maps may not help, ask friends how to start strolling through the city. Share a flat with others, you will enjoy greater freedom than in a hostel.

A company in Malatya has refused to distribute Kurdish-language Azadiya Welat newspaper after publication turns daily following 12 years of weekly print. They are distributing through 12 bureaus across the country.

29 leading intellectuals sign open letter saying government should only send humanitarian aid to the Middle East. Baydar: Cease-Fire declared for countries to send soldiers while the function of the peace corps is to suppress Palestine and Lebanon.

Union of Bar Associations ends its protest of obligatory counsel services after Prime Minister issues orders for a new law and payment plan. Services to offer government-sponsored counsel to victims and defendants resume as the Union welcome solution.

Sirnak Prosecutors Office prosecution also investigating retired General Tokat for public revelation on ordering clandestine street bombings to intimidate judges and civil servants. New probe looks into whether he was involved in similar activities there

State Supervisory Council lists minority foundations among foreign legal entities in report probing land purchases by foreigners. Lawyer Hatemi: This is a disgrace, a Constitutional offence. Cano: their executives are citizens of the Republic.

Minister in Charge of Women Issues calls on public institutions, civil society and women organizations to attend September 8 Ankara meeting focusing on PMs new circular to prevent violence against women and honor killings.