A GRAND BARGAIN TAKES SHAPE: HALKBANK, HAMAS AND THE YPG FACTOR
The deal to resolve the case over allegations that Halkbank helped Iran evade American sanctions was announced on March 9, at the height of U.S.-Israeli attacks against Iran.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
HALKBANK CASE SETTLED, FORMER EXECUTIVE SAYS ISRAEL PLAYED A ROLE
In a historic development for Turkish-American relations, the long-standing legal battle over Iran sanctions involving the Turkish state lender Halkbank has been settled. The U.S. government said the result will curb support for Iran.
ISTANBUL MUNICIPALITY TRIAL BEGINS AS İMAMOĞLU MARKS FIRST YEAR IN DETENTION
The trial over corruption allegations at the Istanbul Municipality — a case expected to last for years — begins March 9, with 402 defendants, including 105 under arrest, among them Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
ISTANBUL MUNICIPALITY TRIAL BEGINS AS İMAMOĞLU MARKS FIRST YEAR IN DETENTION
The trial over corruption allegations at the Istanbul Municipality — a case expected to last for years — begins March 9, with 402 defendants, including 105 under arrest, among them Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
SEVERAL COURT CASES KEEP CHP UNDER JUDICIAL SIEGE
On Feb. 23, four separate courts in Istanbul and Ankara heard cases involving the CHP congress, corruption claims by businessperson and confessor Aziz İhsan Aktaş, accusations about its provincial chair, and the trial of a party bus driver.
CHP URGES RELEASES, NOT POSTPONEMENT AS HEARING APPROACHES FOR İMAMOĞLU
As the first hearing in the main “corruption and bribery” case against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his colleagues approaches — along with the anniversary of his detention — CHP Chair Özgür Özel said there are preparations to delay the proceedings by another three months.
ALARM BELLS RING FOR TURKISH DRAMAS
The television drama industry is facing an unprecedented crisis as soaring inflation and domestic regulatory pressures threaten its global standing, alongside suppressive measures, including the detention of manager Ayşe Barım and the ongoing detentions in a drug and prostitution case that has labeled many figures from the sector.
SEEN BY TURKISH OPPOSITION AS SYMBOL OF INJUSTICE NAMED JUSTICE MINISTER
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reshuffled his Cabinet, appointing Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek as justice minister, replacing Yılmaz Tunç. Gürlek has long been a target of the main opposition, dating back to his tenure as head of Istanbul’s 14th Heavy Penal Court, and more recently since his appointment as chief public prosecutor in October 2024, amid a series of high-profile court cases. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya was also replaced, with Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi named to the post. Gürlek’s appointment is widely viewed as a promotion
ADANA MAYOR FREED AS LEGAL CASES AGAINST CHP CONTINUE
Legal pressure on the main opposition CHP continued as allegations of drug use were expanded to include relatives of Ekrem İmamoğlu’s wife, while prosecutors finalized a separate “political espionage” indictment against the imprisoned presidential candidate. At the same time, an Istanbul court ordered the release of a high-profile mayor held on corruption charges, marking a notable shift in the broader judicial process. As a significant development in the ongoing corruption trials, the court ordered the release of Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar, who had been in detention since July. Karalar became the first CHP mayor to be freed since the start of the Aziz İhsan Aktaş case on Jan. 27. Eight other employees of several municipalities were also released.
COURT TO RULE ON İMAMOĞLU’S DIPLOMA CASE WITHIN 15 DAYS
An administrative court is expected to issue a ruling within 15 days in the case filed by jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu challenging Istanbul University’s revocation of his university diploma — a decision that will determine his eligibility to run as a presidential candidate.
IRAN BORDER TIGHTENED AGAINST POSSIBLE REFUGEE WAVE
Turkey is tightening border security in the east in case of a wave of people fleeing turmoil in Iran.
A CASE OF TWO SELÇUKS: A DOCTOR AND A LAWYER FORGOTTEN IN PRISON
Selçuk Mızraklı and Selçuk Kozağaçlı. The similarity between these two men is not limited to their first names. Both remain in prison despite having completed their sentences and becoming eligible for conditional release. It’s a story of Turkey. Let’s tell it.