March 27, 2014

Theologians: Lies, slander and defamation is unIslamic

Islamic theologians coming together in a workshop organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) have condemned recent allegations directed at the faith-based Hizmet movement by top government officials, stating that it is unIslamic to engage in lies, slander and defamation.

Pro-government media manipulates facts about Turks in the US

In an effort to defame the Hizmet movement and Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, the pro-government media in Turkey continues to fabricate news and distort facts, particularly about those residing in the US close to where Gülen lives.

Corruption Allegations In Turkey Make Sunday’s Local Elections Even More Important

Turkey’s main opposition party recalled parliament this week for an extraordinary session to discuss allegations of corruption against four former ministers that have damaged Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government ahead of Sunday’s local elections.

Reuters: Ahead of vote, Erdoğan paints picture of Turkey besieged by enemies

To the adulation of the cheering crowds at his election rallies, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paints a picture of an "evil alliance" plotting to topple him and break Turkey. In another place, on another day, his chief rival portrays him as a rogue doomed to jail or exile.

RTÜK suspends 15 more Samanyolu news shows, inflicting harshest penalty yet

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has suspended 15 more programs of the Samanyolu Haber TV news channel, in addition to the suspension of 20 programs in mid-March, Samanyolu Broadcasting Group General Manager Hidayet Karaca said on Wednesday.

KADİP's 1st international photography contest held for peace

The Intercultural Dialogue Platform (KADİP) of the Journalists and Writers Foundation (GYV) announced the winners of its very first international photography contest, "Peace in the frame," at a gala on Tuesday night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in İstanbul.

Kaynak Holding: Tax inspectors' visit was not ‘raid'

The Kaynak Holding business group, an organization close to the Hizmet movement inspired by Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, has denied claims that a Finance Ministry financial crimes unit carried out a raid at its headquarters in İstanbul, saying that inspectors were conducting a routine procedure.

Turkish watchdog cancels national broadcast license of critical TV station

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) has suspended the national broadcast license of Kanaltürk TV, citing an administrative decision from years ago, a legal controversy that adds to concerns that state agencies are stepping up a clampdown on any voice critical of the government.