In Turkey's local elections, the opposition led by the Republican People's Party (CHP) made significant gains against President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Ekrem Imamoglu, the CHP's candidate, maintained a strong lead in Istanbul's mayoral race, while the CHP also retained Ankara and won additional mayoral seats. The AKP's losses were attributed to high inflation, economic strains, and Imamoglu's broad appeal. The New Welfare Party also gained ground, taking Sanliurfa from the AKP. Analysts view the election results as Erdogan's most severe defeat since 2002 and see Imamoglu as a potential presidential challenger.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about the rule of law following Yargitay's criminal complaint against Constitutional Court judges for their decision to release jailed MP Can Atalay. Atalay was sentenced for organizing protests in 2013, which he and co-defendants, including Osman Kavala, deny. The European Commission's annual report criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding, and the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur expressed unease about the judiciary dispute. Amidst this, Turkey is trying to attract foreign investors with a shift towards economic orthodoxy.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about the rule of law following a criminal complaint by Yargitay against Constitutional Court judges for their decision to release jailed MP Can Atalay. Atalay was sentenced to 18 years for allegedly trying to overthrow the government during 2013 protests. The European Commission's annual report criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding, which coincides with the country's efforts to attract foreign investors through economic policy changes and meetings with investors in Western capitals and the Middle East.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about the rule of law after Yargitay made a criminal complaint against Constitutional Court judges for ruling in favor of releasing jailed MP Can Atalay. The European Commission's annual report criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding, which coincides with the country's efforts to attract foreign investors. The dispute has been labeled a 'judicial coup attempt' by Atalay's lawyer, while Erdogan's chief adviser defended Yargitay's actions.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about the rule of law following Yargitay's criminal complaint against Constitutional Court judges for their decision to release jailed MP Can Atalay. Atalay was sentenced to 18 years for allegedly trying to overthrow the government during 2013 protests. The European Commission's annual report criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding, which coincides with the country's efforts to attract foreign investors. President Erdogan's adviser defended Yargitay, while the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur expressed concerns about the Turkish judiciary.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised rule of law concerns after the Yargitay made a criminal complaint against Constitutional Court judges for their decision to release jailed MP Can Atalay. Atalay was sentenced to 18 years for allegedly trying to overthrow the government during 2013 protests. The European Commission's annual report criticized Turkey for democratic backsliding, which coincides with the country's efforts to attract foreign investors. The dispute has been labeled a 'judicial coup attempt' by Atalay's lawyer, while Erdogan's chief adviser defended the Yargitay's actions.

A conflict between Turkey's top appeals court, Yargitay, and the Constitutional Court has raised concerns about the rule of law in Turkey. Yargitay made a criminal complaint against Constitutional Court judges, claiming their decision to release jailed MP Can Atalay was unconstitutional. Atalay was sentenced for organizing protests in 2013, which he and co-defendants, including Osman Kavala, deny. The European Commission criticized Turkey for backsliding on democratic standards, and the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur expressed unease about the judiciary dispute. Meanwhile, Turkey is trying to attract foreign investors, with economic officials holding meetings in Western capitals and the Middle East.

Free speech advocates are alarmed by the arrests of journalists Tolga Sardan and Dincer Gokce in Turkey under the new 'disinformation law', fearing a state crackdown on press freedom. Sardan, who reported on the judicial system and the MIT, was jailed, while Gokce was released under judicial control. Critics argue the law censors dissent, while the government insists it's necessary for public protection. The arrests have sparked protests and condemnation from opposition leaders and journalist associations. Turkey ranks low in the World Press Freedom Index, and the law is seen as an alternative method to suppress journalism.

In Turkey, the arrests of journalists Tolga Sardan and Dincer Gokce under the disinformation law have raised concerns among free speech advocates and opposition politicians. Sardan, who reported on the judicial system and the MIT, was jailed, while Gokce was released under judicial control. The law targets those spreading false information online and has been criticized for censoring dissent. Turkey ranks 165th in the World Press Freedom Index, and more than 20 journalists are targeted by the new law. Protests in Ankara called for Sardan's release, and organizations like RSF and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the law as a tool for repression.

In Turkey, the arrests of journalists Tolga Sardan and Dincer Gokce under the new 'disinformation law' have raised concerns among free speech advocates and opposition politicians. Sardan, who reported on the judicial system and the National Intelligence Agency, was jailed, while Gokce was released under judicial control. Critics argue the law censors dissent and a free press. Reporters Without Borders ranks Turkey 165th in press freedom, and journalist associations are protesting the detentions. The government claims the law protects the public, but organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists view it as an alternative method to suppress journalism.

Amnesty International released a report detailing the alleged human rights violations in Turkey following the failed coup attempt in 2016. The report, titled 'No end in sight: Purged public sector workers denied a future in Turkey,' highlights the arbitrary dismissal of over 100,000 public servants, including doctors, teachers, and police officers, based on vague accusations of terrorist affiliations. The purge has affected at least half a million people, considering the families of those dismissed. Dismissed individuals cannot challenge their removal due to the state of emergency, which President Erdogan has indicated will continue until Turkey achieves peace and prosperity. The report also notes that passports of dismissed workers have been cancelled, and some individuals have faced issues with consular services abroad. Amnesty's researcher, Andrew Gardner, emphasized the negative impact on public services and the erosion of trust in justice and the rule of law in Turkey.

The Turkish band Athena released a music video for their song 'Ses Etme' that has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of the violence faced by the LGBT community in Turkey. The video, which has been viewed nearly 3 million times, features a drag queen, played by Onur Gokhan Gercek, a well-known drag performer, who is attacked after leaving a club. The video ends on a note of solidarity as an elderly woman helps the protagonist. Gercek, who contributed to the screenplay, emphasized that while the video is not a political statement, it is crucial for LGBT visibility, especially amidst rising homophobia and transphobia.

Turkey's Education Ministry has revised textbooks for the 2017-18 academic year, leading to concerns about diminishing women's roles and increased emphasis on religion. Researchers Canan Aratemur Cimen and Sezen Bayhan, supported by Germany's Friedrich Naumann Foundation, analyzed 16 textbooks and found significant changes compared to the 2016 editions. The new texts show fewer women in professional roles, omit historical examples of powerful women, and place a greater emphasis on religion and spirituality. The researchers suggest that these changes reflect an adaptation to political Islam and a rewriting of history. The textbooks also incorporate themes of religious martyrdom and patriotism, particularly referencing the 1919-23 Turkish War of Independence and the failed 2016 coup attempt. A secular education initiative has been established to counter the ideological shift and the conversion of more schools into Imam Hatip academies, which train government-employed imams.

The article discusses the challenges Turkey faces with the potential influx of former Islamic State fighters passing through the country as they return to their home countries from Syria and Iraq. Criticism has been directed at Turkey for allowing free transit of fighters from various terror organizations, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, to Syria since the civil war began. The Istanbul Policy Center's security researcher, Metin Gurcan, emphasizes the need for cooperation between Turkish and EU security services to manage this issue. The article also touches on the Turkish government's efforts to combat IS, including President Erdogan's claims of fighting multiple terrorist organizations and the legal battles in Turkish courts against IS members. Concerns are raised about the transparency and thoroughness of investigations and trials related to IS activities in Turkey. The broader implications of the disbanding of IS territories and the fate of the fighters' families are also considered.

The article discusses the challenges women face in Turkey when seeking an abortion, despite it being legal. It highlights a de facto ban on the procedure, with hospitals refusing to perform abortions or setting appointments weeks later, effectively preventing access. The article cites examples of illegal clinics and the pressures public hospitals face to dissuade women from abortions. It also touches on the political motivations behind these restrictions, with President Erdogan's statements against abortion and government plans to increase the population. The article notes the lack of information on contraception and the financial barriers to accessing abortion services, emphasizing the violation of women's rights and the conservative shift in healthcare.