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International human rights organizations call for Osman Kavala’s release

International human rights organizations call for Osman Kavala’s release

International human rights organizations have called on Turkey to release Gezi Park protestor Osman Kavala following yesterday’s ECtHR ruling.

26 August 2026

Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Sait Yıldırım suffers heart attack

Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Sait Yıldırım suffers heart attack

The Kurdish prisoner has been imprisoned for 33 years after being convicted of PKK membership. His release has been delayed four times now.

Independent Mine Workers Union President Gökay Çakır arrested again

Independent Mine Workers Union President Gökay Çakır arrested again

Independent Mine Workers Union President Gökay Çakır was detained yesterday at the union’s headquarters following arrests at an Ankara protest. The union believes this was done at the behest of large capital groups.

5 Kocaelispor fans put under house arrest after anti-Kurd threats

5 Kocaelispor fans put under house arrest after anti-Kurd threats

Five Kocalispor football fans were put under house arrest after waving yellow plastic bags at their match against the pro-Kurdish club Amedspor. Yellow bags are often used as a threat against Kurds.

ECtHR: Osman Kavala must be released as soon as possible

ECtHR: Osman Kavala must be released as soon as possible

The philanthropist and businessman was initially arrested over his role in the Gezi Park protests. His case has drawn global attention from human rights organizations. In addition to ruling 15-2 for Kavala, the ECtHR said that Kavala’s case indicates a larger systemic problem in Turkey around politically motivated detentions.

A comprehensive legal summary of the ECtHR Grand Chamber’s judgment in Kavala v. Türkiye (No. 2)

A comprehensive legal summary of the ECtHR Grand Chamber’s judgment in Kavala v. Türkiye (No. 2)

The European Court of Human Rights’ Grand Chamber ruled that Osman Kavala’s entire deprivation of liberty since Dec. 10, 2019, was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The court ordered Turkey to secure his release at the earliest possible date and eliminate the consequences of his conviction.

Kurdish seasonal workers face mob attacks in northern Turkey

Kurdish seasonal workers face mob attacks in northern Turkey

Kurdish seasonal agricultural workers in hazelnut fields in Zonguldak and Düzce were attacked, leading to one arrest in Düzce and an investigation in Zonguldak.

Dam occupancy rates increased, experts warn drought isn’t over

Dam occupancy rates increased, experts warn drought isn’t over

This year’s precipitation rate increase of 75.4% and the rise of dam active occupancy rates to 69.9% have given some the perception that the “drought is over,” warned Prof. Dr. Mikdat Kadıoğlu, but “a single good water year does not change the climate trend.”

Popular LGBTI+ Sixties pub shut down in Ankara

Popular LGBTI+ Sixties pub shut down in Ankara

Sixties Pub, a popular bar frequented by the LGBTI+ community in Ankara’s Çankaya district has shut down following an investigation and closure decision. Seven people were detained in a police raid on the establishment in July.

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'Children have never been recognized as actors in discussions on peace'

MEETINGS WITH RIGHTS GROUPS - 36

'Children have never been recognized as actors in discussions on peace'

The Children First Association works to support children’s access to mother tongue, arts and cultural activities while seeking to create spaces where children can participate in discussions on peace and make their own voices heard in the media.

23 August 2026 Evrim Gündüz

'Iranian women are expected to represent either victimhood or resistance'

IRANIAN JOURNALIST SHIVA AKHAVAN RAD

'Iranian women are expected to represent either victimhood or resistance'

We spoke with Shiva Akhavan Rad about where the women’s movement in Iran stands today, the pressure she has faced as a journalist and her own life experiences.

22 August 2026 Eylül Özer

İHD Conscientious Objection Commission: ‘We need to rethink security, the budget and militarism together’

MEETINGS WITH RIGHTS GROUPS - 35

İHD Conscientious Objection Commission: ‘We need to rethink security, the budget and militarism together’

The Human Rights Association İstanbul Branch Conscientious Objection Commission views the struggle for conscientious objection as part of a broader struggle that goes beyond rights violations to encompass antimilitarism, opposition to war and military spending.

21 August 2026 Evrim Gündüz

Bahçeli outlines seven-point plan to contain Israel

Bahçeli outlines seven-point plan to contain Israel

The nationalist leader suggested the expansion of the Mecca defense pact to include all countries targeted by Israeli attacks.

Mabel Matiz given travel ban in ‘obscenity’ investigation over new song

Mabel Matiz given travel ban in ‘obscenity’ investigation over new song

“I do not accept that criminal meanings are systematically attributed to my works based on my identity," said the singer, who is facing "obscenity" allegations for the second time over the past year because of a song.

21 August 2026 Evrim Kepenek

Turtle figurines found at 15,000-year-old ritual site in northwestern Turkey

Turtle figurines found at 15,000-year-old ritual site in northwestern Turkey

“The artifacts that emerged showed us that this was an important cult and ritual site,” said Prof. Deniz Sarı, who leads excavations in Bilecik.

Dozens of migrating storks die on power lines in northwestern Turkey

Dozens of migrating storks die on power lines in northwestern Turkey

Many storks were electrocuted on power lines and railway electrification systems as tens of thousands of birds pass through Turkey during their migration from Europe to Africa. Authorities are introducing measures to reduce risks.

Labor underutilization remains near 30% in second quarter

Labor underutilization remains near 30% in second quarter

Unemployment rate stood at 7.9% while youth unemployment was 13.9%.

Protest singer Metin Turan released after 25 years in prison

Protest singer Metin Turan released after 25 years in prison

Turan was released after the Forensic Medicine Institute concluded that he was unfit to remain in prison because of serious health problems.

Turkish military personnel were not at Syrian airbase 'during or before' Israeli strike

Turkish military personnel were not at Syrian airbase 'during or before' Israeli strike

"For the peace and stability of both Syria and the region, it is essential that Israel end such reckless attacks," said the Defense Ministry.

Nurse dismissed from civil service over ‘hair braiding’ protest despite acquittal

Nurse dismissed from civil service over ‘hair braiding’ protest despite acquittal

"I braided my hair to protest the killing of women, violence and femicides. The price I paid was my profession. I will never forgive this injustice," said İkra Avcı.

What does Israel's Abu al-Duhur attack mean?

What does Israel's Abu al-Duhur attack mean?

Israel sent a direct message to Turkey regarding its efforts to expand its military sphere of influence in Syria and increase its control over strategic facilities.

19 August 2026 Vecih Cuzdan

children's library

IPS Communication Foundation/bianet continues its rights-based journalism with the "BİA Children's Library" with the aim of giving more space to and disseminating the voices of children and youth.

about bianet

The IPS Communication Foundation was established in 1993 with the goal of "implementing and supporting projects in the field of communication and development." The foundation carries out its activities through projects funded by local and international grants and donations.