Tag: Turkiye
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Yusuf Tarık Gül: A Child Erased Twice
Turkey has been shaken by two school shootings in just a matter of days, first in Siverek and then in Kahramanmaraş, leaving families in grief and exposing serious failures in public safety and state responsibility. But Yusuf Tarık Gül’s story also revealed another long-running reality in Turkey: the systematic persecution of families linked to KHK…
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Turkey’s Expanding Mercenary Network in Africa and the Role of SADAT
Recent findings from Foreign Policy (Ciddi & Doran, 2025) reveal that Turkey’s growing military and economic involvement in Africa has deepened instability rather than promoting peace. Over the past decade, Ankara has increased its diplomatic presence however, behind this diplomatic expansion lies a concerning pattern of arms transfers, drone exports, and private military operations led…
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The Case of Bugra Baldan – A Cry for Justice in Turkey
“I am innocent, but no one hears me.” This is not only a statement, but a desperate cry for help from an innocent human being — and a reflection of the deep-rooted injustice prevailing in today’s Turkey. Burak Baldan, a decorated Turkish military pilot, was recognised throughout his career for his outstanding achievements and service…
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Ibrahim Gungor Died in Prison in Turkiye
Turkish authorities did not allow the jailed daughter of sick prisoner İbrahim Güngör, who died in prison on September 7, to attend his funeral. His daughter, Sueda Güngör, a university student, had been arrested in June 2025 for alleged ties to the Gülen movement. She had campaigned for her father’s release, but later faced charges…
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Arrest of Council of Europe Youth Delegate Enes Hocaoğulları
Enes Hocaoğulları was elected as a youth delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe on 14 February 2025 and, during the Congress session on 19 March 2025, brought to the international stage allegations of torture against peaceful young protesters during the 19 March demonstrations in Türkiye. Although these…
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The Unjust Death of Lieutenant Abdulkadir Karadag
On the night of July 15, 2016, Lieutenant Abdülkadir Karadag was dispatched to protect the Presidential Palace in Ankara, unaware that the operation was part of a coup attempt. Though officially a lieutenant, Karadag was still undergoing his pre-field training and had limited command experience. His fellow officer and close friend, Muhammed Emin Gundogdu, later…
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Detention of Lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan and Repression of the Legal Profession in Türkiye
Lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan, defence counsel for detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been subjected to escalating judicial harassment in Türkiye, exemplifying the growing repression of legal professionals. Pehlivan’s arrest and ongoing detention are based on vague and politically motivated charges, including “money laundering” and “membership in a criminal organisation.” These charges are rooted in his…
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Kurdish Journalist Nedim Türfent is targeted by the Turkish Government, again
Nedim Türfent, a journalist and a poet who focuses on human-rights abuses Kurdish people face in Türkiye, is being charged for ‘disseminating propaganda in favour of a terrorist organisation’ due to his activity on social media. This article (Anti-Terror Law Article 7) has been previously used for individuals such as Yavuz Ekinci, Sebnem Korur Fincanci,…
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ECHR Decision on Yalcinkaya Case
As Rights Defenders, we have deep concern regarding recent developments that question Turkey’s continued membership in the Council of Europe. As a member of this esteemed organization for the past 73 years, Turkey has committed to safeguarding fundamental human rights on European soil, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The judgment…
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Sümeyra Gelir
On April 3, 2025, 15-year-old Sümeyra Gelir passed away in her sleep at her home in Bolu, Turkey. While her death was medically attributed to epilepsy, her family and human rights advocates believe that the overwhelming responsibilities placed on her young shoulders—combined with the emotional trauma of being separated from her mother—played a significant role…