CHP Düzce İl Başkanı Zekeriya Tozan, otomobiliyle evine giderken önünü kesen bir otomobilden çıkanlarca dövüldü. pic.twitter.com/050bbNZN7F
— 140journos (@140journos) 26. März 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Assault on CHP politician in Düzce
Members of the ultranationalist Ottoman group attacked a CHP provincial politician in Düzce this afternoon, calling him a traitor. The rift in Turkey's society between government supporters and opposition has been widening since the AKP could regain its parliamentary majority in November.
Press freedom and other hollow shells
by A.Alabed
#FreeMediaCannotBeSilenced
"There cannot be limitless media freedom." This may well seem like a statement issued by third-class dictator somewhere in the remotest corner of Africa. However it is not. These are the exact words of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A onetime lapse? No, rather symptomatic for an administration that over the course of the last years has grown increasingly hostile towards dissenting voices in general and opposition press in particular.
In fact, the AK Party government has never been fussy about reining voices critical of its administration. On the contrary. Mr. Erdogan’s record speaks for himself.
In 2009 the editor of Taraf was charged with divulging military secrets.
In 2014 Turkey’s executive forces raided the offices of leading daily Zaman arresting editor in-chief Ekrem Dumanli and Hidayet Karaca, general manager of Samanyolu on the charges of “establishing and managing an armed terrorist organization” to overthrow the government. The same year columnist Önder Aytac was condemned for 10 months in jail for insulting Erdogan.
In November 2015 the newspaper Cumhuriyet was awarded the Reporters Without Borders Prize for its "independent and courageousjournalism" in regard to the 2014 MIT trucks scandal. Shortly thereafter, editor in chief Dündar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gül were arrested on charges of being members of a terror organization, espionage and revealing confidential documents, facing sentences up to life imprisonment. They were released in 2016 due to undue deprivation of liberty by ruling of the Supreme Court. Erdogan's comment: "I do not respect nor obey the verdict."
On
October 26th 2015, only four days before the November general
election, the government seized the Koza Izpek Holding which controls the
dailies Milet and Bügün and the TV channels Bügün and Kanaltürk TV. Koza Izpek
was shut down in February 2016.
On March 4th 2016 authorities used the same scheme to take control over the country’s largest newspaper Zaman (which already had been raided in 2014) and its English-language affiliate Today’s Zaman.
Whereas Cumhuriyet is close to the main opposition party, the Kemalist Republican People’s Party (CHP), both Zaman and Koza Izpek are believed to be (or have been) close to the Islamist Gülen Movement, sparheaded by Fethullah Gülen, a former ally of Erdogan turned enemy.
It would be too simplistic though to define this is a mundane media crackdown of an increasingly authoritarian president. Erdogan is wary of the activities of the Gülen Movement, which he seems to think is staging a coup d’etats. In 2007 Nokba magazine, exposed the Ergenekon scandal revolving around an alleged nationalist underground network comprising key personnel of the Turkish military and members of the Kemalist elite and planning to carry out terrorist attacks against senior AK members and even Erdogan himself.
This may have been a turning point in Erdogan’s personal history, making him leery and overly distrustful. This may have also been a reason for the breach between the two former friends Erdogan and Gülen. Erdogan frets that the Gülen movement after all might outflank him in power, since both Gülen and Erdogan’s AKP appeal to the same people and the same voters: typically religious social conservatives in or hailing from Anatolia or Eastern Turkey that do not recognize themselves in the secularism promoted by the Kemalist elites and Western bourgeoisie. What Erdogan is most afraid of is what to his mind is bound to happen once the Gülen movement has gained enough power and momentum to pursue its ultimate strategy: a violent takeover of the AK Party.
#FreeMediaCannotBeSilenced
"There cannot be limitless media freedom." This may well seem like a statement issued by third-class dictator somewhere in the remotest corner of Africa. However it is not. These are the exact words of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A onetime lapse? No, rather symptomatic for an administration that over the course of the last years has grown increasingly hostile towards dissenting voices in general and opposition press in particular.
In fact, the AK Party government has never been fussy about reining voices critical of its administration. On the contrary. Mr. Erdogan’s record speaks for himself.
In 2009 the editor of Taraf was charged with divulging military secrets.
In 2014 Turkey’s executive forces raided the offices of leading daily Zaman arresting editor in-chief Ekrem Dumanli and Hidayet Karaca, general manager of Samanyolu on the charges of “establishing and managing an armed terrorist organization” to overthrow the government. The same year columnist Önder Aytac was condemned for 10 months in jail for insulting Erdogan.
In November 2015 the newspaper Cumhuriyet was awarded the Reporters Without Borders Prize for its "independent and courageousjournalism" in regard to the 2014 MIT trucks scandal. Shortly thereafter, editor in chief Dündar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gül were arrested on charges of being members of a terror organization, espionage and revealing confidential documents, facing sentences up to life imprisonment. They were released in 2016 due to undue deprivation of liberty by ruling of the Supreme Court. Erdogan's comment: "I do not respect nor obey the verdict."
On March 4th 2016 authorities used the same scheme to take control over the country’s largest newspaper Zaman (which already had been raided in 2014) and its English-language affiliate Today’s Zaman.
Whereas Cumhuriyet is close to the main opposition party, the Kemalist Republican People’s Party (CHP), both Zaman and Koza Izpek are believed to be (or have been) close to the Islamist Gülen Movement, sparheaded by Fethullah Gülen, a former ally of Erdogan turned enemy.
It would be too simplistic though to define this is a mundane media crackdown of an increasingly authoritarian president. Erdogan is wary of the activities of the Gülen Movement, which he seems to think is staging a coup d’etats. In 2007 Nokba magazine, exposed the Ergenekon scandal revolving around an alleged nationalist underground network comprising key personnel of the Turkish military and members of the Kemalist elite and planning to carry out terrorist attacks against senior AK members and even Erdogan himself.
This may have been a turning point in Erdogan’s personal history, making him leery and overly distrustful. This may have also been a reason for the breach between the two former friends Erdogan and Gülen. Erdogan frets that the Gülen movement after all might outflank him in power, since both Gülen and Erdogan’s AKP appeal to the same people and the same voters: typically religious social conservatives in or hailing from Anatolia or Eastern Turkey that do not recognize themselves in the secularism promoted by the Kemalist elites and Western bourgeoisie. What Erdogan is most afraid of is what to his mind is bound to happen once the Gülen movement has gained enough power and momentum to pursue its ultimate strategy: a violent takeover of the AK Party.
To avoid this Erdogan has not only made onslaughts on
media that he believes to promote the Gülen agenda, but also cleansed his own
party from exponents allegedly supporting the preacher. That includes former
deputy prime minister Ali Babacan who despite broad recognition and undisputed economic
expertise was not appointed to a ministry after the last of many government
reshuffles.
With his
latest aggression against Zaman and Samanyolu Erdogan has crossed a red line.
The foreclosure of the leading media corporation is in no way reconcilable with
a functioning democracy, no matter what his motifs were: clinging to power or “protecting”
the state from the “parallel state” as he likes to call it.
The freedom
of the Press is not something that is negotiable. Erdogan has to understand
that this is not the Ottoman emperor anymore. He can’t just use the judiciary
system to get rid of potential enemies. This is a modern country with an active
civil society. In the immediate aftermath of the seizure hundreds took to the
streets to protest against the government’s egregious moves. The public will
not accept that kind of behavior anymore. Erdogan is going to have to
acknowledge that. Soon.
This article ws published with the consent of Etihad Liberal Press, a Beirut-based online magazine. Link: www.etihad-liberal.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Again terror in Brussels
19 dead dozens injured in explosion at Brussel's international airport. At 8:00 sharply an explosion in the departures hall caused a part of the ceiling to crumble; while people were evacuated another blast occurred. The Belgian government set the terror alert to its highest level.
According to the "Telegraph" shots were fired before the second explosion at Brussels airport. Eyewittnesses report intense shouting in what to them seemed Arabic.
Reports of second blast at Metro station close to EU building in central Brussels. Acoording to Russia Today 10 were killed on this second scene. Reports of blasts at Schuman metro station remained unconfirmed. Brussel's main train station Gare du Midi was evacuated.
According to a US official the attack could be a retaliation operation for the arrest of Salah Abdeslam two days before. In fact, ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombing. Yet, it does not really seem like retaliation: Various media outlets quote a cab driver having overheard them swearing "Never like Salah" just before the attack.
Several of the injured are being treated outside #Maalbeek metro station following a blast there #Brussels pic.twitter.com/0B6gnB0cFP
— Press TV (@PressTV) 22. März 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
5 soldiers dead in Nusaybin
The town has seen intense fighting for weeks, since PKK/YPS militants have taken over the city. Many have fled the town. Our most serious condolences to the victims that have sacrificed their lives in order to bring back order and peace to Nusaybin.
Çatışmaların hız kesmediği #Nusaybin'de Türk Ordusu, Teröristlere karşı Vatan Mücadelesine devam ediyor...https://t.co/KUlVJPRPgE
— ✦ T.☪ BAHA T.☪ ✦ (@ELTURC_O) 21. März 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Happy Newroz!
Some fear that the government might use the terrorist threat to crack down on public displays of Kurdish culture and freedom of expression, as it has sometimes in the past. In Istanbul police reportedly detained people wanting to attend Newroz festivities, some were suspended against the wishes of the organizers.
With the beginning of a new (Kurdish) year its nonetheless time for some optimism. Let's hope that the PKK can be successfully eradicated, the rift in the Turkish society overcome and the terrorist threat well managed. Happy Newroz to all of you.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Istiklal Street bombing linked to ISIS
5 dead and 35 injured (6 critically) in blast in Beyoglu. As eyewittnesses suggest, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a sideroad of Istiklal Street. Some say that the bombing was aimed at one of the Consulates on Istitklal Street and went up too early as the perpertraor was appoached by Turkish security officials. Germany had closed its consulate near Taksim days before the blast occurred. The Istanbul governor then called on Germay to stop ruining Turkey's reputation.
Earlier on March 19th Reuters quotes Turkish official accusing PKK of being involved in the bombing. In fact, though,the attack was carried out bz Turkish national Mehmet Öztürk, an ISIS linked Turkish national that according to sources within the Turkish intelligence was on the agency's terror list. He is part of the Dokumacılar group active in Southern Turkey that is suspected to be involved both in Suruc and Ankara attacks last year. Both his father and his bhrother, residents of Southeastern Gaziantep were arrested.
An itibarıyla İstiklal'de patlama oldu pic.twitter.com/V9RKVm5h00— Patavatsız (@PatavatsizCocuk) 19. März 2016
Panic in Beyoglu as explosion hits Istiklal shooping road
Perpetrators unclear at the moment. Eyewittnesses suggest suicide attack.
Footage: Suicide bombing in #Beyoğlu (#Istanbul). Reported injuries. #Turkey pic.twitter.com/dhLlVXrIjZ
— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) 19. März 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
Adana shook by explosions
Four heavy explosion in the Southeastern city of Ankara hit a country on edge in the evening of March 18th. The situation remains fairly unclear at the moment; it is verified that four trucks exploded in the city. First reports suggest a quadruple suicide attack. However the explosions were probably caused by one camion somehow set ablaze perpetrated the chain reaction leading to the
multiple explosions. No casualties reported.
At the moment there is no information about potential perpetrators. It is not inconceivable that the convoy exploded for technical reasons. As Adana based "Adana-da-ne-var" reports, the explosions one camion somehow set ablaze perpetrated the chain reaction leading to the multiple explosions. The reason that led to the fire in the first place are to be investigated. Possible reasons range from deliberate arsony to technica issues.
In the past weeks Adana has experienced rising tensions between its Turkish and Kurdiah population; particularly though between local Kurdish representatives and Turkish executive forces. On March 19th, a demonstration against Russian and Iranian involvement in Syria was scheduled, on March 20th Kurdish People's Democratic Party was to hold Kurdish New Year's celebrations. On March 17th the US had issued a travel warning, specifically disencouraging US citizens to travel to Adana.
At the moment there is no information about potential perpetrators. It is not inconceivable that the convoy exploded for technical reasons. As Adana based "Adana-da-ne-var" reports, the explosions one camion somehow set ablaze perpetrated the chain reaction leading to the multiple explosions. The reason that led to the fire in the first place are to be investigated. Possible reasons range from deliberate arsony to technica issues.
In the past weeks Adana has experienced rising tensions between its Turkish and Kurdiah population; particularly though between local Kurdish representatives and Turkish executive forces. On March 19th, a demonstration against Russian and Iranian involvement in Syria was scheduled, on March 20th Kurdish People's Democratic Party was to hold Kurdish New Year's celebrations. On March 17th the US had issued a travel warning, specifically disencouraging US citizens to travel to Adana.
BREAKING: Four massive explosions in Adana
VIDEO: #Adana Pınar Mahallesinde Teröristlerin Kundakladığı Bir çok TIR ve Araç yanıyor!#Patlamahttps://t.co/51ezczld2h
— ✦ T.☪ BAHA T.☪ ✦ (@ELTURC_O) 18. März 2016
Salah Abdeslam captured in Brussel's Moleenbeek
Anti-terror raid continues in the Belgian capital as two explosions are heard in Moleenbeek.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Ankara attack linked to PKK
37 dead and more than 150 injured in several car bombings in Ankara's central district, among whom the fatehr of Galatasaray star Umut Bulut. The attack was deliberately planned to cause as much casualties as possible given timing and place of the attack. According to CNN correspondent Arwa Damon the attack is similar in style to the ISIS attack on a peace rally last year; this time however the attack was carried out not by ISIS, but Kurdish terrorist groups.
As a result of the resurgence of the conflict between the stalinist Kurdish PKK group and Turkish executive forces and the further involvement of Turkey in the Syrian civil war Turkey is believed to become more and more vulnerable to terrorist attacks by both Kurdish terrorist groups and factions and terrorist organizations involved in the Syrian civil war.
A photo of a military intelligence document signed March 4th indicates that Turkish intelligence agencies had very specific information about a potential suicide attack to be carried out in Bahcelievler by a "Syrian looking kid" affiliated to or somehow recruited by PKK or one of its sister organisations. Bahcelievler is about 1,5km from the scene of the blast. The US embassy too warned Citizens of an attack to be carried out against government buildings in Ankara. Why no one acted on these suspicions and if these are in fact connected to the Marc 13th attack is unclear at the moment.
As of March 14th raids were carried out in the Cenral Anatolian province of Ekisehir and Adana and Sanliurfa in the Southeast of Turkey. 20 suspects were detained for links to terrorist organizations and spreading terrorist propaganda. Most detainees were linked to PKK.
The vehicle used in the attack was reportedlly a BMW from the Kurdish-inhabited Varansehir. According to Turkish officials the perpetrator of the attack was a female Kurdish student at Balikesir university, who along with fellow students was currently being charged for spreading PKK propaganda. Sabri Ok, member of the KCK Executive Council, a PKK subgroup, issued a statement the act by com calling the act of "comrade Zinar" a "historical act that must be owned up to and felt proud of from every perspective."
If the Ankara bombing has indeed been carried out by PKK or an affiliated group it represents the official end of the group's more peaceful strategy adopted in the past century and the beginning of a new, decisively more violent era. Who is responsible for that, remains to be clarified. Abdülkader Selvi of Yeni Safak, a pro-government newspaper said, "Yes, it hurts, but we have to learn to live with terror for a while." Since the hastily convoked security summit of the AKP government is not expected to produce any effective strategies and only a more effective foreign and a more sensible policy towards peaceful Kurds (not PKK that is a terrorist organization and must be combated) could reach that goal it seems that, for now, he may be right.
As a result of the resurgence of the conflict between the stalinist Kurdish PKK group and Turkish executive forces and the further involvement of Turkey in the Syrian civil war Turkey is believed to become more and more vulnerable to terrorist attacks by both Kurdish terrorist groups and factions and terrorist organizations involved in the Syrian civil war.
A photo of a military intelligence document signed March 4th indicates that Turkish intelligence agencies had very specific information about a potential suicide attack to be carried out in Bahcelievler by a "Syrian looking kid" affiliated to or somehow recruited by PKK or one of its sister organisations. Bahcelievler is about 1,5km from the scene of the blast. The US embassy too warned Citizens of an attack to be carried out against government buildings in Ankara. Why no one acted on these suspicions and if these are in fact connected to the Marc 13th attack is unclear at the moment.
As of March 14th raids were carried out in the Cenral Anatolian province of Ekisehir and Adana and Sanliurfa in the Southeast of Turkey. 20 suspects were detained for links to terrorist organizations and spreading terrorist propaganda. Most detainees were linked to PKK.
The vehicle used in the attack was reportedlly a BMW from the Kurdish-inhabited Varansehir. According to Turkish officials the perpetrator of the attack was a female Kurdish student at Balikesir university, who along with fellow students was currently being charged for spreading PKK propaganda. Sabri Ok, member of the KCK Executive Council, a PKK subgroup, issued a statement the act by com calling the act of "comrade Zinar" a "historical act that must be owned up to and felt proud of from every perspective."
If the Ankara bombing has indeed been carried out by PKK or an affiliated group it represents the official end of the group's more peaceful strategy adopted in the past century and the beginning of a new, decisively more violent era. Who is responsible for that, remains to be clarified. Abdülkader Selvi of Yeni Safak, a pro-government newspaper said, "Yes, it hurts, but we have to learn to live with terror for a while." Since the hastily convoked security summit of the AKP government is not expected to produce any effective strategies and only a more effective foreign and a more sensible policy towards peaceful Kurds (not PKK that is a terrorist organization and must be combated) could reach that goal it seems that, for now, he may be right.
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