Gülen Movement

The 2007 killing of prominent Armenian-Turkish journalistHrant Dink has been stated as a "sub-crime aimed at achieving the goals of a terrorist organization" in the indictment probing alleged negligence of 26 public officials, daily Hürriyet has reported.

The downing of a Russian war plane by the Turkish air force on the Turkish-Syrian border on Nov. 24 opened a new chapter in Turkey's political discussions.

The results of the Nov. 1 general elections made me realize something: The Justice and Development Party (AKP) received the support of half of this country's voters because those millions are aware of the facts I was blind to.

What happened in Turkey on Oct. 28 is something that should enter the Guinness Book of World Records, if it ever includes a chapter on "authoritarianism." Two newspapers and two news channels, all very critical of the government, were taken over by government-appointed "trustees." In less polite terms, they were practically stolen by the state. 

Turkey?s TV watchdog will send warning letters to the country?s pay satellite network and TV operators for their removal of seven TV channels known to be close to the Gülen movement.

Turkey?s media watchdog, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), discussed on Oct. 14 the removal decision of four platforms over a prosecutor?s demand without a court ruling.  

On Sept. 29, Turkish President Tayyip Erdo?an gave a speech ? a furious one, as usual. One of the themes he touched upon were the real citizens of this country versus the bogus ones. ?Those who attack the gains of this country do not belong to this homeland,? he said. Among these, he listed not only the outlawed Kurdistan Workers?

Supreme Court of Appeals President ?smail Rü?tü Ciri has warned against groups substituting their own interests for the public's interest, in an indirect reference to the Gülen Movement in the civil service affiliated with U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. 

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Y?ld?z has expressed his desire to ?achieve martyrdom,? while commenting on allegations that his sons had paid fee to avoid military service.

?My goal is to be martyred, if Allah desires, for my religion, nation and country,? the minister said.

The issue is about one?s internal accounting and between him and Allah, the minister said.

On Monday night, when many Muslim believers were celebrating the Night of Qadr, the holiest night of the year, the breaking news came: The Constitutional Court annulled the law which had banned Turkey's private tutoring centers, known as "dersanes." This law was passed in March 2014, in the midst of a bitter political tension.

President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an's 1,150-room mega-palace and its residents should immediately be evicted, an architects' NGO has said in a statement after the country's critical June 7 general elections.