As Turkey prepares for local elections, the DEM Party's decision to run its own candidates rather than align with opposition blocs is expected to impact results, especially in Istanbul. The party's strategy shift is driven by concerns over voter engagement and past election outcomes. Internal debates within DEM Party reflect differing views on supporting opposition or running independently. The party's stance on trustee appointments in southeastern municipalities remains a contentious issue. Key figures like Selahattin Demirtaş and Başak Demirtaş play significant roles in shaping the party's electoral strategy. The outcome of DEM Party's decisions could influence the political landscape and voter dynamics in Istanbul and beyond.

Adıyaman is among the areas most affected by the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş. Journalist Rabia Çetin reports on the ongoing rescue efforts, highlighting the significant role of volunteers alongside official teams like AFAD and UMKE. Despite the aid, locals express concerns about the adequacy of the assistance, citing issues like internet outages and insufficient funeral vehicles. International support includes Polish and American rescue teams joining the efforts in Adıyaman.

The article discusses Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), its expensive treatment options, and the ongoing debates in Turkey. SMA is a genetic disease with different types, the most severe being SMA Type 1. The treatment Zolgensma, known for its high cost, is not yet available in Turkey, leading families to campaign for funds to seek treatment abroad. The Turkish Ministry of Health has opted for an alternative treatment, citing insufficient scientific evidence for Zolgensma's long-term efficacy. The article also highlights the efforts of platforms like Elimsende in supporting SMA campaigns and the legal challenges families face in fundraising.

The Constitutional Court of Turkey ruled that solely relying on the encrypted messaging program ByLock's data for a conviction, without proper examination and based on police reports, violates the right to a fair trial. The case of a teacher expelled after the July 15 coup attempt and convicted for using ByLock has been sent back to the Kayseri 2nd High Criminal Court for retrial. The court's decision was based on the rejection of a request for expert examination and found the application regarding the illegality of obtaining ByLock data inadmissible. The detailed reasoning for the decision will be published in the coming days. Lawyers Mehmet Kaya and Mehmet Velat İzol provided their analysis, with Kaya supporting the decision and İzol stating it does not change much for those convicted based on ByLock evidence, but affects those whose convictions were based solely on police reports.

The Constitutional Court of Turkey ruled that the 'unjust provocation reduction' cannot be applied in the case of 12-year-old Nihat Kazanhan, who was killed by police fire in 2015. The court emphasized that such reductions undermine deterrence and violate the right to life. The ruling mandates a retrial without the provocation reduction, potentially leading to a life sentence for the officer involved. The decision is seen as a landmark in the fight against impunity for police violence. Kazanhan's family lawyer, Rojhat Dilsiz, highlighted the ruling's significance in setting a precedent for future cases.

In Turkey, where there is a significant interest in football, the number of live betting sites is increasing. These sites offer a variety of sports betting options and have become accessible via technological advancements, allowing users to place bets online. Live betting sites in Turkey operate with experienced teams and offer entertaining games with high odds. They provide various bonuses under certain conditions, enhancing the betting experience. The article also discusses the legality of foreign betting sites in Turkey, the types of bonuses available, the process of membership and registration, and the methods of depositing and withdrawing money. It emphasizes the importance of choosing reliable and licensed betting sites for a secure gambling experience.

A 13-year-old girl in Siirt's Pervari district reported sexual abuse by two men, aged 65 and 35, but the prosecutor's office dismissed the case citing inconsistent statements. Despite a psychologist's confirmation of the girl's consistent testimony, the prosecutor argued that the girl did not report the abuse for a year and lacked corroborative witnesses. HDP MP Meral Danış Beştaş raised the issue in parliament, questioning the dismissal and highlighting the threats faced by the victim. The family's lawyer criticized the decision, calling for its reversal by the Siirt Criminal Court.

The article discusses several high-profile child abuse cases in Turkey, highlighting the judicial processes and public reactions. Key cases include the Hiranur Foundation, Ensar Foundation, FIKIH-DER, Elmalı, and others, involving significant legal and political responses. Various political figures and organizations have made statements or taken actions in response to these cases, reflecting the ongoing societal and legal challenges in addressing child abuse in Turkey.

Ahmet Emre Yıldır, a 25-year-old from Çorlu, Turkey, committed suicide on April 29, 2019, after revealing to his family that he had been sexually abused by a relative, V.T., from 2002 to 2011. Despite submitting an audio recording of a conversation with V.T. to the Çorlu Public Prosecutor's Office, which included an admission of the abuse, the legal proceedings were delayed, and V.T. was only arrested after Yıldır's suicide. V.T. was initially detained on May 1, released on August 8, and later re-arrested. The family's lawyer criticized the handling of the case, noting the psychological toll on Yıldır and the lack of timely action by authorities. The next court session is scheduled for March 10, 2020, and the case has been sealed.

The Istanbul governor’s office ordered Syrian refugees not registered in Istanbul to return to their registered cities, effective August 20. Amjad Tablieh, an 18-year-old Syrian refugee, was detained and allegedly deported to Syria despite having proper documentation. His brother Ahmad claimed Amjad was sent to a dangerous area in Idlib. The Istanbul Immigration Department denied deporting Syrians back to their country, stating they are only sent to their registered cities in Turkey. Human Rights Association (IHD) reported forced deportations and pressure on refugees to sign voluntary return forms. Amjad was eventually returned to Istanbul, with authorities admitting the deportation was a mistake.

In the village of Çeltik in Siverek, Şanlıurfa, an armed group affiliated with the İzol tribe attacked a family, resulting in the deaths of Zozan İzol, her husband Hakkı İzol, Meral İzol, and her son Musa Serhat İzol. The suspects fled the scene and caused a traffic accident that killed Rıdvan Buluş and Serdar Delen. Yusuf Rojhat İzol, Mehmet Metin İzol, and Cihan İzol were injured and later arrested. Dilan İzol, who lost her parents in the attack, shared the incident on social media, accusing former AK Parti deputy Zülfikar İzol of orchestrating the attack. Security measures have been taken in Çeltik village, and several political parties have expressed condolences, except for AK Parti. The Şanlıurfa Human Rights Association and the Şanlıurfa Bar Association are continuing their investigations, while Zülfikar İzol's advisor stated that their lawyer will respond to the allegations.

Syrian refugees in Turkey are once again the subject of public discourse, facing increasing hate speech on social media and being misrepresented in some news outlets. Refugees express their feelings of being caught between identities, unable to return to a war-torn Syria with over 270 conflicting groups. Misinformation about refugees receiving undue benefits from the Turkish government is spreading, exacerbating negative sentiments. Despite the challenges, many refugees hope to return home once the conflict ends. The article also discusses the legal and social status of refugees in Turkey, highlighting the distinction between 'refugee' and 'guest' or 'asylum seeker' as per international agreements and Turkish law.

İlhan Okçu, a 68-year-old retired worker living in Istanbul's Maltepe district, has been undergoing lung cancer treatment for three years. He has had to sell his house and shop to afford Keytruda, a medication not covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). Okçu has spent 510,000 Turkish Lira on the medication so far and is currently involved in a legal battle with SGK to include the drug in the reimbursement scheme. The outcome of the case, which has been ongoing for two years, will determine whether he can continue his treatment.

In 2018, 1,923 workers died in Turkey, 112 of whom were women, including 10 migrants and 7 killed by men at or outside their workplace. In the first four months of 2019, 545 workers died, including 31 women. Pınar Abdal, a member of the İşçi Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Meclisi (İSİG), explains that women's deaths in occupational accidents are underreported due to their employment in unregistered, insecure, temporary, and 'invisible' jobs. Women are often employed in unsafe, temporary, and dangerous jobs, and their labor, risks, and deaths are not visible in statistics. Women also face discrimination, sexual harassment, violence, and mobbing at work. The highest number of female occupational deaths occurs in agriculture, especially between May and October, and women's occupational diseases are also invisible.

Journalists Umay Aktaş Salman and Ezgi Koman discuss the importance of using appropriate language when reporting on child sexual abuse to avoid harm to the child and to focus on the act of abuse rather than the child's gender. They emphasize the need to protect the child's identity, avoid stigmatizing language, and not to detail the violence experienced. The article also critiques the use of certain terms and images that can perpetuate stereotypes and suggests that media coverage should respect children as individuals with rights and not portray them as mere victims.

Freelancers in Istanbul, including journalists, developers, translators, editors, designers, and digital marketers, gather at 'Ofissizler Freelance Network' to work together and discuss the benefits and challenges of freelancing. They meet weekly at Dünyada Mekan in Beyoğlu and hold forums in Kadıköy every two weeks. The network was formed following the Gezi Park protests in 2013, and since 2015, they have been using the space for work and forums. Freelancers discuss the freedom and difficulties of their work, such as managing all aspects of their business, extended working hours, and maintaining motivation while working in pajamas. They also face challenges in finding consistent work, dealing with economic crises, and managing finances without regular income. A chat application called 'Baloncuk' on the network's website helps freelancers avoid isolation by allowing them to communicate with others.

Felat Bozarslan, a reporter for Doğan Haber Ajansı, faces up to 4.5 years in prison for allegedly violating a publication ban by reporting on a 'respectful attitude reduction' given to a rapist. The case involves a 2013 incident in Diyarbakır where a 14-year-old girl was assaulted. Bozarslan argues that the publication ban was imposed only at the decision stage and that his report was based on sources, not the case file. The first hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2016. Bozarslan is also under investigation for three other reports on similar issues.