Latest News from Turkey
Miners' Hunger Strike in Turkey Enters Second Week
A hunger strike by Turkish miners protesting unpaid wages and rights violations reached its second week on April 27 in Ankara. Workers from Eskişehir arrived on April 20, facing police barricades and pepper gas during attempts to march to the Ministry of Energy.
Protesters demand 5-6 months of wages and union rights.
Dozens Detained in Istanbul Ahead of May Day
Turkish authorities detained dozens in Istanbul, including journalists and union members, ahead of May 1 Workers' Day celebrations. Prosecutors issued warrants for more suspects over potential unrest, focusing on Taksim Square.
Critics decry restrictions on protest rights amid tightened security.
Secret MIT Letter Targets Swedish Journalist Over Syria Exposé
Turkey's MIT sent a secret letter complaining about an article exposing its links to jihadist groups like HTS in Syria. The letter confirmed details on operative 'Abu Furqan' and ongoing covert cooperation.
Journalist Abdullah Bozkurt faces multiple Turkish cases and arrest warrants for his reporting.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Visits Austria
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan is on an official visit to Austria on April 29-30 to boost bilateral ties. Meetings will cover political, economic, trade, and military relations, including energy and defense.
Fidan will also meet OSCE Secretary General and speak at a Vienna conference.
FM Fidan Attends Three Seas Summit in Croatia
Hakan Fidan represented President Erdoğan at the 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit in Dubrovnik. The event focuses on regional cooperation among 13 EU states.
This underscores Turkey's engagement in European infrastructure and energy initiatives.
Turkey Exports Hurjet Jet Trainer to Spain
A signing ceremony at Airbus in Madrid marked the export of Turkey's domestically produced Hurjet jet trainer to Spain. This deal highlights Turkey's growing aerospace industry and international defense exports.
The agreement was reported by Turkish media on April 28.
Turkish Airlines Suspends Flights to 23 Cities
Turkish Airlines halted flights to 23 cities due to rising jet fuel costs and supply issues from the Iran war. Many routes are paused indefinitely, with some potentially resuming later in 2026 or 2027.
Travelers are advised to check affected destinations.
Ongoing Tensions in Miners' Protest Escalate
Police used pepper gas against hunger-striking miners and supporters trying to breach barricades in Ankara. The strike, on day 8 by April 28, stems from months of unpaid wages by their employer.
Authorities blocked further marches to maintain order.
MIT's Syria Operations Face Renewed Scrutiny
Investigations reveal Turkey's intelligence facilitated jihadist supply lines through its territory during the Syrian war. Government amendments granted MIT legal immunity from prosecution.
The secret letter highlights panic over public exposure of these ties.
May Day Security Measures Tighten in Istanbul
Authorities restricted access to symbolic Taksim Square for May Day, continuing past patterns of limiting protests. Detentions target potential disruptors, drawing criticism for curbing assembly rights.
Officials justify actions as necessary for public order.