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Check FAQAbout Jasper
I've been reporting for the English service of France24 TV since 2007, filing on Turkey, Syria and Cyprus. I came to television from news agency writing, where details are very important. What I love about TV reporting is one has to step back from the facts of an event, and focus on the significance. In radio, I've freelanced for CBS, Cape Talk and RTE. I was born in London, raised in Johannesburg and trained by The Star newspaper. After travelling Africa and the Middle East, I lived in France, England and Egypt, where I worked for AP for nearly 10 years. I enjoy taking photographs, riding horses and swimming _ the annual race across the Bosphorus Strait.
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Ankara backtracks on freedom to commemorate Armenian murders
Turkish liberals commemorated the Armenian massacres with significantly lower participation and faced police restrictions on using the word 'genocide'. Nicolas Tavitian, director of the Armenian General Benevolent Union Europe, expressed that the inability to publicly say 'Armenian genocide' marked a regression in freedom.
The Gezi Park protests of 2013 ... the most sustained challenge to Erdogan in 10 years ... live broadcast for France24 TV
AKP vote share has fallen more than election results show
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Turkey has seen a significant decline in its national vote share, dropping 9% since the local polls on March 31. Analyst Ali Akarca from the University of Illinois at Chicago suggests that if the AKP continues on its current trajectory, it may lose more voters, similar to the political shift in 2002. This decline is seen as a positive sign for the opposition ahead of the Istanbul election rerun on June 23. The AKP claims electoral fraud in the March 31 election, but Akarca argues that the party actually received more votes than it deserved due to conservative voters marking ballots for alliance candidates.
New Diyarbakir mayor backs opposition candidate in Istanbul election rerun
Adnan Selcuk Mizrakli, the new mayor of Diyarbakir, expresses strong support for the opposition in the upcoming Istanbul election rerun, urging Kurds to stand against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its candidate Binali Yildirim, whom he labels as a thief. The Supreme Electoral Council's decision to invalidate the March 31 election and call for a new poll on June 23 is a significant development.
Turkey's opposition protests, plans as date set for Istanbul re-vote
In Istanbul, residents protested the decision of the Supreme Electoral Council to void the election for Istanbul’s mayor by banging pots and pans. This form of protest was reminiscent of the Gezi Park protests in 2013, where people expressed their discontent with then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a similar manner. The sound of the cookware being used as instruments of protest was captured in a video from the night of the announcement.
Turkish election board disqualifies pro-Kurdish mayors in southeast
Two weeks after the elections, the Supreme Electoral Council has yet to declare the mayor of Istanbul, with the ruling AKP frequently challenging the provisional results favoring the opposition. In southeastern Turkey, the government is pressuring the council to withhold certificates of electoral victory from the winners, despite undisputed results.
Leader in Istanbul mayor's race worries about vote manipulation in recount
Ekrem Imamoglu, the leading candidate in the Istanbul municipal elections, has urged electoral authorities to confirm his victory, expressing concerns that the ongoing recount could incite unrest. Imamoglu was ahead of the ruling party's Binali Yildirim by 23,000 votes when the Supreme Electoral Council announced the completion of the ballot count. The result is a significant setback for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had heavily campaigned in Istanbul.
Turkey in for 'hard time' following Erdogan election losses
Following the local elections on March 31, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) secured 44% of the vote nationwide but lost in major cities including Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul. The recounting of votes in Istanbul was still ongoing. The losses in these key cities suggest potential challenges ahead for Erdogan and his party.
Erdogan uses New Zealand terror video at campaign rallies
Opposition parties have condemned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for using the video made by the gunman who killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during his election rallies. Erdogan played the video on large screens during his speeches in Zonguldak and Kocaeli, drawing criticism for his campaign tactics.
All eyes on Turkey's 3 biggest cities as local elections approach
With municipal elections approaching in Turkey, attention is focused on Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is heavily involved in the campaign, making multiple speeches daily. The elections are seen as a referendum on his rule amid challenging economic conditions, including high inflation and unemployment.
Turkey's economy sinks into recession
The Turkish economy entered a recession in the fourth quarter of 2018, with a 3% year-on-year contraction and a 2.4% decline from the previous quarter, according to TurkStat. This downturn, marked by two consecutive quarters of negative growth, poses a significant challenge for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he campaigns for the March 31 municipal elections amid public discontent over rising food prices.
Turks fire back as Trump ends preferential trade status
The Turkish government criticized the US decision to remove Turkey from its list of nations with tariff-free access to the US market, arguing it would harm producers in both countries. Turkish commentators suggested political motivations, linking the move to US efforts to dissuade Turkey from purchasing the Russian S-400 air defense system.
Erdogan draws huge crowds, but needs more than base to win
Recep Tayyip Erdogan drew a large crowd at a campaign rally in Ankara, though the enthusiasm was less than at his previous rally. The mayoral candidate from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Erdogan's ally, Devlet Bahceli, also spoke, but received a lukewarm response. Erdogan managed to rouse the crowd with his appearance and speech.
Turkish opposition candidate faces allegations in lead-up to local elections
In the lead-up to Turkey's local elections on March 31, the leading opposition candidate for mayor of Ankara faced a failed smear campaign. The government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), is under pressure due to economic hardships such as high food costs, 20% inflation, and 12% unemployment. The AKP, which has controlled Ankara city hall for 25 years, is expected to face significant opposition from voters.
As Greek PM visits Turkey, Erdogan calls for peacefully resolving disputes
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras concluded his visit to Turkey with no deal to settle disputes between the nations, but both he and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed positive intentions to improve relations. Tsipras highlighted instances of de-escalation through direct communication with Erdogan, who has been receptive to his calls.
Erdogan blasts polling as Turkey's local elections approach
Turkish citizens are preparing for municipal elections on March 31, which are seen as a referendum on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. With the economy struggling, the opposition has a significant chance to challenge Erdogan's party. Erdogan has been actively campaigning, holding rallies in different cities.
Turkey, US discuss Syria buffer zone as Manbij attack kills American troops
Russia and the Islamic State made separate claims to northern Syria, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that the territory should revert to Syrian government control after US troops withdraw. Hours later, a suicide bomber from the Islamic State killed 16 people in Manbij, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Turkish-U.S. Tension Builds as Syria Talks Founder
US national security adviser John Bolton left Ankara without securing a deal to protect Washington's allies following the planned withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Syria, highlighting the growing tension between Turkey and the United States.
Turkish-US tension builds as Syria talks founder
Talks on Syria between the United States and Turkey have failed to produce an agreement, with tensions high as national security adviser John Bolton left Turkey without a deal. Turkish officials are now confronted with the challenge of advancing into northeast Syria against the opposition of the US, Russia, and the Syrian government. President Erdogan canceled a planned photo opportunity with Bolton, who subsequently canceled his press conference and departed for the airport.
Turks unite to condemn Trump's threat to 'devastate' economy
Turkish citizens and political parties, including those opposing President Erdogan, united in condemning President Trump's threat to devastate Turkey's economy if it attacked Syrian Kurds. Faik Oztrak of the Republican People’s Party emphasized that no one has ever threatened Turkey in such a manner.
Police chief's murder stuns Turkey
The murder of Altug Verdi, a distinguished chief of police, in his office has shocked Turkey. Verdi, who led the Emniyet Mudurlugu in Rize, had an extensive career including roles with the UN peacekeeping forces, Turkey’s consulate in Jerusalem, and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
Turkish appeals court upholds conviction of top Kurdish politician
An appeals court in Turkey upheld the conviction of Kurdish political leader Selahattin Demirtas for terrorist propaganda, leading to accusations from his party that the judiciary is influenced by the government. This decision follows the European Court of Human Rights' call for Demirtas' release, citing his prolonged pretrial detention as politically motivated.
Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the opposition for condemning the arrest of 14 academics, seen as a crackdown on liberal civil society, particularly targeting Osman Kavala. Erdogan accused Kavala of financing the 2013 Gezi Park protests and implicated George Soros as being behind him.
Turkey praises 'overdue' US bounties for PKK leaders
Turkey has expressed cautious approval of the United States' decision to offer $12 million in bounties for information leading to the capture of the top three leaders of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The US Embassy confirmed the bounties on Murat Karayilan, Cemil Bayik, and Duran Kalkan, with Turkey suspecting the move may be compensation for US support of the YPG, the PKK's Syrian affiliate.
Turkey's ruling party cuts deal with nationalist MHP on mayoral races
President Recip Tayyip Erdogan announced a deal between his Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for the upcoming municipal elections in Turkey. This strategic move aims to unite the right-of-center vote to counter potential losses for the AKP due to economic challenges and declining presidential approval ratings.
Turkey's Finance Ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction
Finance Minister Berat Albayrak presented an optimistic view of Turkey's fight against inflation, which has reached a 15-year high at 25%, by announcing measures to mitigate its effects. However, Moody's rating agency contradicted this outlook, suggesting that Turkey is on the verge of a recession.
Turks spooked as government's inflation efforts fall flat
The annual inflation rate in Turkey has surged to 25%, the highest since July 2003, evoking memories of the economic instability of the 1990s and early 2000s. Finance Minister Berat Albayrak attempted to calm the public by asserting that his 'Total Struggle Against Inflation' campaign is effective, despite the alarming inflation figures reported by the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Turkish paper reveals new details on Khashoggi killing
A man resembling Jamal Khashoggi wore his clothes after his murder in the Saudi Consulate to mislead the world into believing Khashoggi had left the building alive. Mustafa al-Mudaini, part of the group involved, commented on the eeriness of wearing the clothes of the man they had killed just minutes prior.
Erdogan slams US-Kurdish patrols near Syria border
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the United States for conducting military patrols with the Syrian Democratic Forces along the Syrian-Turkish border and for reimposing sanctions on Iran, labeling the latter as 'imperialist'. He expressed concerns that such actions could lead to serious negative developments.
Confusion, then joy as Turkish court frees US pastor
Turkish and Greek Cypriots remain optimistic, despite collapse of talks
Cypriots continue their daily lives despite the failure of the latest UN negotiation to reunite the island. Both Greece and Greek Cypriots, as well as Turkey and Turkish Cypriots, blamed each other for the collapse of the talks, which was announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hard-liners on both sides were relieved that no concessions would have to be made.
Turkish companies flout law for cheap Syrian labor
Mohammed Zaghnoun, a Syrian refugee in Turkey, earns slightly above the minimum wage but works significantly longer hours than legally allowed, highlighting severe labor exploitation. Turkish companies are criticized for paying Syrian workers less and denying them benefits like health insurance, exacerbating economic inequality among the 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Turkey arrests surpass 7,500 after failed coup attempt
President Erdogan vows to eliminate the 'virus' of coup plotters following a failed military coup, leading to over 7,500 arrests and a significant purge of officials. Western leaders, including the US and EU, caution against excessive retribution and urge adherence to the rule of law. Erdogan's suggestion to reintroduce the death penalty raises concerns about Turkey's EU membership prospects. The situation has caused instability in Turkey, impacting financial markets and raising questions about human rights and democracy in the country.
Anti-terror, security expenses boost Turkey’s economic growth
The Turkish Statistical Institute reported a 4.8% growth in Turkey's economy for the first quarter of 2016, making it the fastest-growing economy in Europe. This growth, which surpassed pessimistic forecasts, was welcomed by the government. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek highlighted that the warnings of an economic crisis were proven wrong.
Kurds lose faith in leaders as war rages in south
The ongoing conflict in Diyarbakir, Turkey, has led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, with 50,000 residents fleeing their homes. The Kurdish leadership, particularly the HDP, faces criticism for its inability to curb the violence, while the PKK continues its insurgency. The Turkish government, led by President Erdogan, remains committed to military operations against the PKK. The situation is marked by a lack of clear direction from Kurdish leaders, with mixed messages of war and peace. The conflict has also led to bombings in Ankara by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons, further complicating the situation.
Is Turkey's plan to stop flow of refugees legal?
The article discusses the legality and implications of Turkey's plan to stop the flow of refugees to Europe. It highlights a specific incident involving the Greek coast guard and the harsh treatment of refugees, raising questions about the humanitarian and legal aspects of such measures.
Turkish military enters Syria to evacuate soldiers, relocate tomb
Nearly 600 Turkish troops and 100 tanks and armored personnel carriers entered Syria to evacuate soldiers and relocate the tomb of Suleyman Shah, the grandfather of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire. The operation was prompted by security concerns, particularly threats from the Islamic State group. One soldier died in an accident during the mission. The tomb, considered Turkish territory, was moved to a new site near the Turkish border, and the original complex was destroyed to prevent its use by militants. The operation underscores Turkey's strategic and historical interests in the region.
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