Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Recent polls indicate the ruling coalition block has increased its seat count to 50. Conversely, the opposition has seen a decline to 60 seats. Data shows support for a specific political union dropped from 31 to 28.

New measures regarding the storage of firearms are being implemented in Turkey. Under the proposed rules, firearms must be kept in locked containers within homes to prevent children from accessing them. Authorities also plan to launch awareness campaigns specifically targeting licensed firearm owners. Authorities also plan to implement awareness programs for parents who own licensed weapons.

Turkey currently ranks first in Europe and third globally for workplace accidents, according to NTV Radyo. Turkey follows with 45.1 hours per week, while Costa Rica records 44.1 hours. The report includes data for Chile as well. This compares to 4.4% of workers in other regions.

Republican People's Party leader Özgür Özel visited Kadıköy in Istanbul to observe May Day. He noted that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the ban on demonstrations in Taksim. Özel extended greetings to all workers and employers across the country. He expressed hope that this would be the last May Day rally in Kadıköy, vowing to hold it in Taksim Square next year.

At least 600 people were arrested in Istanbul during May Day celebrations. Authorities targeted two specific groups in separate neighborhoods on the European side of the city.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has disabled mobile access for phones that failed to pay a 54,258 lira registration fee. The authority identified devices that have exceeded their 120-day grace period for registration. This measure targets mobile phones brought in from abroad that have not been properly registered in the system. Users who did not pay the registration fee for phones valued at $54,258 have had their devices shut down. Procedures have been accelerated against phones with dual SIM cards that were not registered in passports.

An investigation into football betting and match-fixing has identified nearly 500 club officials who allegedly participated in betting activities. The report noted that the number of players involved is likely even higher than the number of officials identified. The probe involves 129 total suspects, including hundreds of administrators. The source stated that the core issue in Turkish sports is a moral problem rather than just a betting problem. Authorities have filed public lawsuits against 56 suspects in a Turkish football betting and match-fixing investigation. Following recent releases, no suspects currently remain in custody for the case. Public lawsuits have been filed against 56 individuals. The investigation highlights ongoing ethical concerns within Turkish sports.

Experts are investigating whether a new and aggressive strain of measles is emerging in Turkey and the United Kingdom. The potential strain may challenge the effectiveness of existing vaccines. The source noted that such mutations are a possibility in any vaccinated disease.

A plane carrying 59 activists for a global summit landed at Istanbul Airport. Fifty-nine activists from the global Sumut fleet were brought to Istanbul on Monday evening. The activists stated they will continue the Sumut fleet's mission despite the incident. The activists reportedly faced harsh treatment, including long detention and intensive interrogation by Israeli forces in territorial waters off the Greek coast. Some activists reportedly experienced physical assaults during the process. The activists involved represent multiple nationalities. They stated the flotilla intends to continue its mission. One activist reported that foreign soldiers arrived suddenly during the fifth or fourth day of the mission around midnight. The activist alleged that a companion was knocked unconscious and then revived using a taser.

Fraudsters using IBAN-based schemes have targeted students, housewives, and retirees in Turkey. Scammers lure victims using methods like fake scholarship offers to seize personal information. Stolen bank account details are then used to facilitate money laundering operations.