March 17, 2014

Deputy calls on PM to prove claims about Gezi, graft probe

With the reverberations of a corruption scandal still dominating Turkish politics ahead of critical local polls, an independent deputy who resigned from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) after opposing a party proposal to shut down prep schools has called on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to prove the claims about the Gezi Park protests he raised last summer, and also about the graft scandal that went public late December.

Gülen's contribution to a pluralist democracy

Abdullah Bozkurt

The Hizmet movement, inspired by Muslim scholar Fethullah Gülen, is a formidable actor in catalyzing change for a better Turkey and will remain so for the foreseeable future as a non-political force to be reckoned with.

Islamic scholar Gülen calls conditions in Turkey worse than military coup

Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has inspired a worldwide network active in education, charity and outreach, has described large-scale slander, pressure and oppression his Hizmet movement currently faces as worse than that seen during anti-democratic military coup regimes witnessed by Turkey. He also calls on his supporters to remain patient and steadfast and to not despair.

Collective punishment

Ali Bulaç

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is preparing for a comprehensive crackdown.

Millions of people have asked for interview with Gülen

Ekrem Dumanlı

I should stress at the outset that it was not Fethullah Gülen who asked for an interview; we actually proposed this. By “we,” I am referring to the huge desire coming from the consciences of countless people. Gülen has preferred to remain silent for a long time. However, he has been strongly and gravely insulted in election campaigns on a daily basis, and many unsubstantiated accusations have been directed at him. Gülen, despite these harsh and unacceptable remarks and accusations, has remained silent. In a sense, it was typical of him to remain silent because of his nature and personality, which can be characterized as polite, sensitive and respectful. However, every insult and accusation was hurting the hearts of millions of people; these people were becoming even more disappointed towards those who insult Gülen when Gülen sought sanctuary in the galleries of silence.

Pro-gov't media continues smear campaign against Hizmet movement

In order to defame the Hizmet movement, A Haber -- a member of the government-designed “pool media,” created through funds raised by various businessmen to protect the government's interests -- has described a Felicity Party (SP) election campaign conducted by women in the province of Hatay as “black propaganda” against the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Deconstructing the chaos in Turkey

Gökhan Bacık

Turkey is proceeding down an authoritarian path. It is almost like a soap opera; every day brings some bad event. In retrospect, the current chaos in Turkey may turn out to be unique in ways that are not obvious now. Thus, one should analyze the current situation in Turkey from different angles.

Intellectual deviations

Uğur Kömeçoğlu*

It is sad to observe how Etyen Mahçupyan joined the ranks of columnists who have disappointed not only liberal democrats but also many pious Muslims.

GYV discusses respect for sacred values at UN panel

The Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) held a panel on Saturday on “Respect for Sacred Values” at the United Nations' Geneva headquarters. Many academics and diplomats showed great interest in the panel, which was held as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) conducted its annual meetings in Geneva.