George Aslan, Christian MP elected with the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party, has raised the alarm in a parliamentary question to the Culture Minister about the ancient place of worship set to undergo restoration. Built in the 10th century, the church is considered one of the most significant examples of medieval Armenian architecture.
Mehran Shamloui, 37, was trying to reach Europe, but was stopped by Turkish authorities who sent him back to his country of origin, he had been sentenced recently to 10 years in prison for religious activities. Meanwhile, Iran continues its policy of expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants.
Extremist groups have attacked the LeMan magazine, while a Turkish court issued an arrest warrant for the chief editor and three other people, including the cartoonist. Erdogan calls the cartoon a "clear, vile provocation" and accuses the authors of immorality. Activists and civil society movements condemn the manner of the arrest, comparable to "torture", and the posting of its video.
Built in 1898, it is the second largest wooden building in the world. Returned to the Phanar in 2010, it is listed as a European Cultural Heritage Site. Behind the decision are the substantial costs of running the facility and safety concerns. For the patriarchate, it can no longer “remain standing without generating income”.
At least four waves of arrests have decimated the leadership of the Istanbul municipality. In addition to the mayor and opposition leader, more than 200 people are in jail. The CHP accuses the government of weaponising the judiciary. In the background, the president's overtures to the PKK are an attempt to win over the Kurds in his plan to change the constitution.
The arrest of Istanbul’s mayor has reversed the positive course the country had embarked upon. A study by the EBRD confirms that boycotts and protests have disrupted efforts to curb inflation, triggering "turmoil". In April, the Central Bank raised interest rates after months of holding steady. New arrests among university students have followed clashes with police.
