In a written reply to a motion in Parliament, Minister od Education Çelik said that 72 percent of the unschooled children are girls. In the education year of 2004-2005, the rate of children dropping out of schools had been recorded at 14 percent.Celik

The Committee to Protect Journalists in a public statement welcomes a Turkish court ruling on Tuesday to drop charges against four prominent newspaper columnists but deplores the decision to continue with the trial of a fifth, Murat Belge.

Ankara 18th Civil Court of First Instance rejects PM Erdogans libel claim against Ortadogu newspaper and journalist Saracoglu for branding him of pursuing spineless politics on the turban issue.

Peace activists discuss steps for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish Question in the wake of 153 CEPA deputies call to PKK for laying down arms. Prof. Gursoy: The PKK should lay down arms to start negotiations .

Discovery of hundreds of barrels containing dangerous solid waste in Tuzla boosts concerns. CMO Istanbul branch says its heedlessness for those who dont know what to do with solid waste insist on nuclear terminals. An environmental policy is needed.

Citing statue of limitation an Istanbul court dropped charges against four leading Turkish columnists tried for publicly criticizing court decision to halt an Istanbul conference on Armenian issue. But the case continues columnist Murat Belge.

Despite a plea by BIHDK former chairman Professor Kaboglu for the case against him and Professor Oran to end today and here, the court has adjourned until 10 May to hear witnesses. Who from now on would write a report for you reacts Prof. Oran.

Erdogan criticises Diyarbakir Mayor Baydemir for asking an end to operations in the Southeast and delivers heavy criticism to CHP leader Baykal who accused him on the Kurdish issue.

Kirk Oruk Womens Cooperative, Feminists of Ankara and Womens Solidarity Foundation hold silent protest in front of Human Rights Monument saying the mentality that shoots the Kurdish people is making everyone expressionless. The concept of violence is d

Sanliurfas Medya FM has to make two employees work 10 hours every day for the daily one-hour program called Center of Life in the Kirmanchi dialect of Kurdish. They prepare and present the program, and prepare copies and transcripts for RTUK and police

Chief of General Staff Ozkok inspects Southeast troops, meets Diyarbakir Governor Ala. Ozkok says developments in Diyarbakir not representative of the whole city and blames provocative elements.

According to the IHD Diyarbakir Report, 563 people were placed under custody in the city between 28 March and 3 April and all of them, including children, were tortured and subjected to inhuman treatment. Mistreatment continued on the streets too.

Of the 91 children arrested in Diyarbakir on charges of inciting and provoking the people to rebellion, resentment and hostility, 34 have been released. Children rights organisations have started action to free all children.

IHD Diyarbakir Report: Between 28 March-3 April, 10 civilians including 5 children died. Security forces opened fire not on the crowds striking fatal areas. Yalcindag: A criminal complaint is not necessary; prosecutors should have investigatited.

15 womens organisations react to government conduct on Southeast violence saying it means more violence for women. ODP Chairman Kozanoglu protests calls for abandoning of violence, fear, threats and discrimination.

Approximately 10 thousand children are suffering from scabies in Sirnak as schools go on 2-day holiday to control spread. Dr. Sutlas of Health Rights Movement says primary reason for mite outbreak is lack of health services in the region.

Doz Publishers editor Vural is standing trial because of a book named, Barzani and Kurdish National Freedom Movement by Barzani. He faces up to 3 years in prison for the book which includes memories on the Kurdish revolts and Armenian deportation.

The expert has been changed in the case opened by Star newspaper reporter Agacik against the bodyguard of Prime Minister. Agacik accuses the bodyguard with kicking him. New expert Sinay will be studying the tape recording, which shows the incident.

Of the 51 candidates who have applied for the General Director of Turkeys state-run TRT, three are female professionals Erdamar and Bayer have worked for 30 years at various levels in the TRT while Yucel is a chemist at the Ministry of Transport.

Edmond McLoughney, UNICEF representative to Turkey says children should not have been on the streets during recent incidents in Diyarbakir: Their protection is a duty for all. The Havana Rules should be abided by in detentions and arrests.