Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

The Eurovision Song Contest faced controversy following the last-minute disqualification of the Netherlands. This event occurred despite widespread protests and calls across Europe in 2024 regarding the participation of Israel.

Six countries, including Azerbaijan and Georgia, were identified as having engaged in point trading during the second semi-final of a competition. The investigation follows a scandal involving voting irregularities that occurred during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2020. The source noted that while Ukraine won the competition, the scandal regarding irregular voting patterns has surfaced. The competition was described as one of the most in history following protests regarding Israel's participation and the last-minute disqualification of the Netherlands. These events occurred despite widespread calls across Europe for Israel to be excluded from the contest. The source reported that the suspects are being investigated for tampering with voting processes. The source did not specify the jurisdiction or the specific election involved.

Activists arriving from Crete, Greece, to Istanbul are planning to file lawsuits against Israeli officials in Turkish courts. Approximately 170 activists from the Sumut Flotilla returned to Turkey on the night of April 29. The flotilla, consisting of about 50 ships, departed from Spain on April 12 to deliver humanitarian aid and break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Activists expressed gratitude to Turkish state officials and bureaucrats upon their return. Approximately 170 activists arrived at Istanbul Airport on the night of April 29 and held a press conference declaring they will continue their journey. Greek authorities transferred activists to Heraklion International Airport for repatriation, according to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some activists were also taken to Sidiap Hospital for medical care.

Activists reported being subjected to physical assaults by Israeli naval forces, resulting in injuries and bruising. The activists are expected to be transported from Crete to Istanbul in the coming days.

Two workers performing sewage maintenance were dragged meters by a water truck in the Çankaya district of Istanbul. The incident occurred on Şemsettin Gün Altay Avenue after a truck reportedly lost control while attempting to climb a hill. Witnesses claimed stones placed behind the vehicle to assist the climb were removed by workers, causing the driver to lose traction when attempting to move forward. No casualty counts or specific injuries were provided in the report. Ankara Metropolitan Municipality stated the workers were employees of a private firm rather than the municipality. Last year, 2,105 workers died in occupational accidents, with traffic accidents cited as the leading cause of death. Witnesses claimed the vehicle appeared to accelerate backward uncontrollably. Relatives of the deceased were present at the scene.

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.