Stories from Turkey

An appeal regarding the detention of former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Soneli has been rejected. The investigation involves a chain of allegations extending to hospital officials and the former governor. In Erzurum, former Tunceli Police Chief Yılmaz was summoned for questioning as part of the probe. The current Yalova Police Chief also testified as a witness to the prosecutor. The investigation is reportedly examining a series of allegations related to the Gülistan region. Sonel's lawyers had previously challenged his detention.

Two secret witnesses testified in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş organized crime trial at the Marmara Prison courtroom. The number of individuals who have not filed complaints in the case has reportedly risen to 14. One witness, identified as XZD, provided testimony regarding the municipal tender allegations. Witnesses testified they had no direct knowledge of the crimes and had not personally witnessed the events. The defense has characterized the use of these witnesses as a fiasco. Witnesses testified in court that they were bribed and threatened to amend their statements. The testimony highlighted a state of affairs in the ministry where dates were allegedly changed carelessly. Witnesses stated that those who opposed a specific individual would face severe punishment and share the fate of Vazal Shah. During a court hearing, Soytekin denied allegations of involvement in a bribery network.

Seventy fraud lawsuits have been filed against Yasin Örstemir after he allegedly shared his IBAN number following a request from a childhood friend. He claims a childhood friend used his accounts for scams that affected people across Turkey. According to the source, 52 files were opened and closed in his name, with 18 ongoing cases. Öğztemir stated he has been imprisoned three times and has been fighting to clear his name for six years. A resident of Adana, Yasin Öğstemir, reported being targeted by fraud after providing his phone number to a childhood friend in 2020. He discovered his bank account was being used for fraudulent purposes a month after the interaction. Örstemir reports that 70 lawsuits were filed against him, with 18 cases currently ongoing. He has been imprisoned three times over the last six years and claims he cannot find employment due to his criminal record.

Mine workers in an old city private sector mine began a protest in Ankara's Kurtuluş Park after months of unpaid wages. The source stated that a consensus was reached and salaries have now been paid. Workers at the Independent Maden İşçileri Sendikası and Doruk Madencilik company ended their protest following a meeting. Minister Bayraktar issued a warning that businesses failing to pay worker rights will face license revocations. Independent Mining Union President Gökay Çakır participated in the discussions. Former miners held demonstrations and hunger strikes in Ankara to protest against a private mining company. Protesters in Ankara are demanding changes to the current wage system, specifically regarding how pay increases are applied to public sector workers performing the same roles. The crowd includes union members, their families, and children.

Thirty-three restaurants in Sanliurfa have been included in a new culinary heritage project. The initiative selects restaurants based on local regionality, geographical indication products, and historical storytelling. The project aims to diversify gastronomic destinations for tourists by including international-standard dining. The project's first stop was the opening of the Culture Route Festival in Sanliurfa. The project launched with the opening of the Culture Way Festival. Sanliurfa now includes 33 restaurants within the designated flavor points. Selection criteria for the project include local regionality, products with geographical indications, and historical storytelling. The project focuses on local, regional, and geographically indicated products with unique cultural stories.

MIA Teknoloji has applied to the Capital Markets Board (SPK) to merge with Lider Sistem Teknolojileri A.Ş.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional firms. This brings the total number of companies with this status to 103.

A football fan was stabbed and injured in Antalya during celebrations following a match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. The incident occurred as tensions rose between supporters of the two teams. The stabbing took place amidst the street celebrations for the victory.

Fenerbahçe management decided to part ways with Terezko and Sporting Director Devinozek following a 3-0 defeat against Galatasaray. The club also announced the departure of football coordinator Belkeçere. These decisions were made during critical board meetings held throughout the day.

A two-and-a-half-year-old child died in Kırşehir after a strawberry became lodged in their windpipe.