Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) said Tuesday it had caught 11 people in the country spying for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Daily Sabah reported that the group, which also included two Turkish nationals, was active countrywide and was led by Selçuk Küçükkaya, a man trained in Europe.&nbsp;

Now, MIT officers have launched an investigation against Küçükkaya in collaboration with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. It is believed that Serkan Özdemir, former Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) personnel, was responsible for establishing connection links between Mossad and Küçükkaya. The Turkish media labels Özdemir as a member of the so-called Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), who fled Turkey to avoid persecution.

<h2>Mossad allegedly trained Küçükkaya in Europe</h2>

Turkish media alleged that Mossad executives personally met with Küçükkaya in several European nations, who introduced themselves as Jose-Jorhe Satia, Thomas Alfonso, and Raul. During his training period, he was taught about Mossad’s secret communication system.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel appoints former top agent David Barnea as new Mossad chief

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MIT (Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı), the Turkish national intelligence agency, claimed that Küçükkaya was assigned to gather intelligence on a company and 23 individuals who had trade connections with Iran.

Küçükkaya's role involved surveillance of the homes and workplaces of the targeted individuals and their families. He leaked information to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, regarding their international flights, phone conversations, signals, bank accounts, and properties. This illicit operation was aimed at monitoring and gathering sensitive information about individuals and their ties to Iran.

<h2>MIT claims two operatives currently at large</h2>

However, Küçükkaya and his accomplices were apprehended when he sent a threatening package to one of his targets, who promptly filed a complaint. As a result, 11 individuals involved in the operation were captured during an operation in Istanbul. Two other operatives managed to escape and are currently being pursued by authorities, according to MIT.

<h2>Previous claims made by MIT</h2>

This is not the first time the Turkish intelligence agency has claimed to have exposed a Mossad spy cell within the country. In December last year, seven individuals were arrested for spying on Palestinians. MIT had revealed that these suspects were assisting Mossad in conducting online defamation campaigns and making threats against Palestinians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-discloses-why-us-intel-leaks-said-mossad-encouraged-israel-protests-583154">Also Read |&nbsp;Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests</a>

MIT has claimed to have uncovered various espionage networks in recent years. Among these discoveries was a network allegedly working for Russia. Additionally, they successfully foiled an assassination plot by Iran targeting Israeli citizens in Turkey. Furthermore, the agency's operations have led to the uncovering of an Iranian intelligence scheme to abduct Iranian dissidents seeking refuge in Turkey.

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Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) said Tuesday it had caught 11 people in the country spying for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Daily Sabah reported that the group, which also included two Turkish nationals, was active countrywide and was led by Selçuk Küçükkaya, a man trained in Europe.

Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) said Tuesday it had caught 11 people in the country spying for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Daily Sabah reported that the group, which also included two Turkish nationals, was active countrywide and was led by Selçuk Küçükkaya, a man trained in Europe. Now, MIT officers have launched an investigation against Küçükkaya in collaboration with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. It is believed that Serkan Özdemir, former Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) personnel, was responsible for establishing connection links between Mossad and Küçükkaya. The Turkish media labels Özdemir as a member of the so-called Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), who fled Turkey to avoid persecution. Mossad allegedly trained Küçükkaya in Europe Turkish media alleged that Mossad executives personally met with Küçükkaya in several European nations, who introduced themselves as Jose-Jorhe Satia, Thomas Alfonso, and Raul. During his training period, he was taught about Mossad’s secret communication system. Watch: Israel appoints former top agent David Barnea as new Mossad chief × MIT (Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı), the Turkish national intelligence agency, claimed that Küçükkaya was assigned to gather intelligence on a company and 23 individuals who had trade connections with Iran. Küçükkaya's role involved surveillance of the homes and workplaces of the targeted individuals and their families. He leaked information to Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, regarding their international flights, phone conversations, signals, bank accounts, and properties. This illicit operation was aimed at monitoring and gathering sensitive information about individuals and their ties to Iran. MIT claims two operatives currently at large However, Küçükkaya and his accomplices were apprehended when he sent a threatening package to one of his targets, who promptly filed a complaint. As a result, 11 individuals involved in the operation were captured during an operation in Istanbul. Two other operatives managed to escape and are currently being pursued by authorities, according to MIT. Previous claims made by MIT This is not the first time the Turkish intelligence agency has claimed to have exposed a Mossad spy cell within the country. In December last year, seven individuals were arrested for spying on Palestinians. MIT had revealed that these suspects were assisting Mossad in conducting online defamation campaigns and making threats against Palestinians. Also Read | Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests MIT has claimed to have uncovered various espionage networks in recent years. Among these discoveries was a network allegedly working for Russia. Additionally, they successfully foiled an assassination plot by Iran targeting Israeli citizens in Turkey. Furthermore, the agency's operations have led to the uncovering of an Iranian intelligence scheme to abduct Iranian dissidents seeking refuge in Turkey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey’s intelligence claims to have exposed Mossad ring working against Iran

The Champions League final for the 2022-23 season will be staged at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium after UEFA stated on Friday, May 12. Earlier reports were stating that the Champions League final could be moved away from the Turkish capital with political unrest being a major reason. However, with UEFA issuing a statement it is now confirmed that this year’s showpiece will be staged by Istanbul, waving away speculations about another venue change.

"UEFA would like to clarify the position on the 2023 Champions League final," a UEFA statement said.

"The 2023 UEFA Champions League final will take place in Istanbul as scheduled, on 10 June 2023. UEFA has no discussions to the contrary with any political institutions, governments or national football associations,” the statement further added.

On Thursday, reports were stating this year’s Champions League final could be moved away from Istanbul with Portugal once again an option. The final which has been a subject of change was moved away from Istanbul in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic. The city was given the right to host the final in 2021, but with Covid-19 at its peak, the final was shifted to Porto. In 2022, the final was again shifted due to the Russia-Ukraine war with St. Petersburg final getting staged in Paris.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-wouldve-selected-yashasvi-jaiswal-as-rahuls-replacement-michael-vaughans-big-remark-591661">WTC Final: ‘Would’ve selected Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rahul’s replacement’ - Michael Vaughan's big remark</a>

The primary reason for the rumours was the political unrest in the nation with Presidential elections on the agenda. There is a tight race between incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the Republican People's Party, or CHP in the elections.

The finalists of the Champions League will be discovered next week after the conclusion of the second leg. As things stand, Real Madrid and Manchester City will start the second leg at 1-1 while Inter have a 2-0 lead against city rivals AC Milan. The winner of both ties will board their flight to Istanbul on June 10 and be crowned the champions of Europe.

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The Champions League final for the 2022-23 season will be staged at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium after UEFA stated on Friday, May 12. Earlier reports were stating that the Champions League final could be moved away from the Turkish capital with political unrest being a major reason.

The Champions League final for the 2022-23 season will be staged at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium after UEFA stated on Friday, May 12. Earlier reports were stating that the Champions League final could be moved away from the Turkish capital with political unrest being a major reason. However, with UEFA issuing a statement it is now confirmed that this year’s showpiece will be staged by Istanbul, waving away speculations about another venue change. "UEFA would like to clarify the position on the 2023 Champions League final," a UEFA statement said. "The 2023 UEFA Champions League final will take place in Istanbul as scheduled, on 10 June 2023. UEFA has no discussions to the contrary with any political institutions, governments or national football associations,” the statement further added. On Thursday, reports were stating this year’s Champions League final could be moved away from Istanbul with Portugal once again an option. The final which has been a subject of change was moved away from Istanbul in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic. The city was given the right to host the final in 2021, but with Covid-19 at its peak, the final was shifted to Porto. In 2022, the final was again shifted due to the Russia-Ukraine war with St. Petersburg final getting staged in Paris. ALSO READ | WTC Final: ‘Would’ve selected Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rahul’s replacement’ - Michael Vaughan's big remark The primary reason for the rumours was the political unrest in the nation with Presidential elections on the agenda. There is a tight race between incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the Republican People's Party, or CHP in the elections. The finalists of the Champions League will be discovered next week after the conclusion of the second leg. As things stand, Real Madrid and Manchester City will start the second leg at 1-1 while Inter have a 2-0 lead against city rivals AC Milan. The winner of both ties will board their flight to Istanbul on June 10 and be crowned the champions of Europe. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Champions League final to stay in Istanbul despite political unrest - UEFA

In a viral video of an incident that took place aboard an Istanbul-Delhi Indigo flight, an air hostess can be seen having a heated exchange with a passenger. Though the war of words happened some time back, it was only after a Twitter user, Gurpreet Singh Hans, shared video clips of the ugly spat that it went viral on social media.&nbsp;

In the video, it can be seen that one of the cabin crew members was serving food to passengers when the incident took place. The argument apparently was about the food being served. The passenger can be seen getting angry and yelling and screaming at the air hostess as he tells her to shut up after she requested him to speak politely with the crew.

Read also | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-airline-website-hacked-by-passenger-after-losing-baggage-467210">IndiGo website 'hacked' by passenger after losing baggage</a>

At one point he asks her why she is yelling and she answers back that it is because he is yelling at them. The air hostess sticks to her ground that as a passenger he cannot disrespect them as they are not behaving badly with him. Another cabin crew member who tried to intervene was also told by the air hostess that he should not speak to her like that as she is also an employee just like them.

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Tempers soaring even mid-air: "I am not your servant" 
 
An <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiGo6E</a> crew and a passenger on an Istanbul flight to Delhi (a route which is being expanded soon with bigger planes in alliance with <a href="https://twitter.com/TurkishAirlines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TurkishAirlines</a> ) on 16th December : <a href="https://t.co/ZgaYcJ7vGv">pic.twitter.com/ZgaYcJ7vGv</a>
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) <a href="https://twitter.com/shukla_tarun/status/1605480784743186432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The matter seemed to take a turn for the worse after the passenger in question referred to the air hostess as a servant. She then retorted saying that she was an employee and definitely not his servant.

While it is unclear whether the tussle started because the crew refused to provide meals or if they ran short of food, the Internet’s reaction regarding the incident was quite clear that they were in favour of the air hostess.&nbsp;

Read also |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-whistleblowers-claim-airline-not-following-standard-procedure-of-maintenance-498225"> IndiGo whistleblowers claim airline not following standard procedure of maintenance</a>

The airline has responded to the fiasco and said that they are aware of the incident that took place on flight 6E 12 from Istanbul to Delhi and that it was related to meals chosen by certain passengers travelling via a codeshare connection. They said that they are looking into the incident and that customers' comfort has always been the top priority. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into this matter.

As incidents like these abound, it is important to know what's on the table for both passengers and employees of airlines. Under the updated Aircraft Rules, 1937, there is a provision for marking a passenger as unruly if the person fails to respect the rules of conduct or to follow the instructions of the airport staff or crew members.&nbsp; 
Similarly, passengers can also complain about an unruly cabin or flight crew member to the aviation regulator DGCA or on Air Sewa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a viral video of an incident that took place aboard an Istanbul-Delhi Indigo flight, an air hostess can be seen having a heated exchange with a passenger. Though the war of words happened some time back, it was only after a Twitter user, Gurpreet Singh Hans, shared video clips of the ugly spat that it went viral on social media.

In a viral video of an incident that took place aboard an Istanbul-Delhi Indigo flight, an air hostess can be seen having a heated exchange with a passenger. Though the war of words happened some time back, it was only after a Twitter user, Gurpreet Singh Hans, shared video clips of the ugly spat that it went viral on social media. In the video, it can be seen that one of the cabin crew members was serving food to passengers when the incident took place. The argument apparently was about the food being served. The passenger can be seen getting angry and yelling and screaming at the air hostess as he tells her to shut up after she requested him to speak politely with the crew. Read also | IndiGo website 'hacked' by passenger after losing baggage At one point he asks her why she is yelling and she answers back that it is because he is yelling at them. The air hostess sticks to her ground that as a passenger he cannot disrespect them as they are not behaving badly with him. Another cabin crew member who tried to intervene was also told by the air hostess that he should not speak to her like that as she is also an employee just like them. Tempers soaring even mid-air: "I am not your servant" An @IndiGo6E crew and a passenger on an Istanbul flight to Delhi (a route which is being expanded soon with bigger planes in alliance with @TurkishAirlines ) on 16th December : pic.twitter.com/ZgaYcJ7vGv — Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) December 21, 2022 × The matter seemed to take a turn for the worse after the passenger in question referred to the air hostess as a servant. She then retorted saying that she was an employee and definitely not his servant. While it is unclear whether the tussle started because the crew refused to provide meals or if they ran short of food, the Internet’s reaction regarding the incident was quite clear that they were in favour of the air hostess. Read also | IndiGo whistleblowers claim airline not following standard procedure of maintenance The airline has responded to the fiasco and said that they are aware of the incident that took place on flight 6E 12 from Istanbul to Delhi and that it was related to meals chosen by certain passengers travelling via a codeshare connection. They said that they are looking into the incident and that customers' comfort has always been the top priority. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into this matter. As incidents like these abound, it is important to know what's on the table for both passengers and employees of airlines. Under the updated Aircraft Rules, 1937, there is a provision for marking a passenger as unruly if the person fails to respect the rules of conduct or to follow the instructions of the airport staff or crew members. Similarly, passengers can also complain about an unruly cabin or flight crew member to the aviation regulator DGCA or on Air Sewa.

WATCH| Indigo airhostess and passenger in war of words on Istanbul-Delhi flight, video goes viral

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023.&nbsp;

Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power

Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party)&nbsp;as it witnessed&nbsp;one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002.&nbsp;

The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a> 
 
Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a&nbsp;president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent.&nbsp;

On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition.&nbsp;

Why was he convicted?

An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in&nbsp;2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and&nbsp;former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.&nbsp;

Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-anti-erdogan-protests-rock-istanbul-373945">Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul</a>

However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.”&nbsp;

Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament.&nbsp;

“Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish&nbsp;news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-spotlight-modi-erdogan-meet-lifts-up-india-turkiye-ties-518745">WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties</a>

Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court.&nbsp;

The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election.&nbsp;

Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inflation-jumps-50-as-turkey-protests-against-hiked-energy-prices-452010">Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices</a>

Widespread protests in Istanbul&nbsp;

So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict.&nbsp;Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag.

The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/istanbul-mayor-and-erdogan-rival-imamoglu-sentenced-to-jail-543274">Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail</a>

“I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.”&nbsp;

A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-feels-the-heat-of-student-protests-355225">Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests</a>

The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings&nbsp;has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance.&nbsp;

How have other countries reacted to the verdict?

The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supporters-of-banned-mayor-imamoglu-rally-in-istanbul-543555">Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul</a>

Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. &nbsp;

They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023. Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) as it witnessed one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002. The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city. ALSO READ | Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent. On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition. Why was he convicted? An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in 2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation. ALSO WATCH | Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.” Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament. “Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council. ALSO READ | WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court. The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election. Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu. ALSO WATCH | Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices Widespread protests in Istanbul So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict. Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag. The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building. ALSO WATCH | Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail “I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.” A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary. ALSO READ | Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance. How have other countries reacted to the verdict? The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country. ALSO WATCH | Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban

A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced Istanbul’s popular opposition mayor to over two years jail in a politically charged defamation trial that effectively bars him from standing in next June’s presidential election.

Istanbul mayor gets over two years in prison and barred from politics

Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail

The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council.

In addition to finding Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu guilty, the court also placed him under a political gag order that could result in his resignation. Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party, the main opposition party, is anticipated to challenge the judgement.

The mayor's trial was allegedly intended to get rid of a significant opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to critics. A presidential election is anticipated in Turkey the following year.

Imamoglu was chosen to serve as Istanbul's mayor in March 2019. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, which had ruled Istanbul for 25 years, suffered a historic defeat as a result of his victory. Due to alleged anomalies, the 16 million-person city's municipal election results were challenged by the party.

A few months later, the election was redone as a result of the challenge, and Imamoglu again prevailed.

After calling the cancellation of valid elections an act of "foolishness" on November 4, 2019, Imamoglu was charged with insulting senior public officials.

The mayor insisted that his statements were a response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu labelling him "a fool" and accused Imamoglu of disparaging Turkey during a visit to the European Parliament. He denied insulting the members of the electoral council.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council.

The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council. In addition to finding Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu guilty, the court also placed him under a political gag order that could result in his resignation. Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party, the main opposition party, is anticipated to challenge the judgement. The mayor's trial was allegedly intended to get rid of a significant opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to critics. A presidential election is anticipated in Turkey the following year. Imamoglu was chosen to serve as Istanbul's mayor in March 2019. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, which had ruled Istanbul for 25 years, suffered a historic defeat as a result of his victory. Due to alleged anomalies, the 16 million-person city's municipal election results were challenged by the party. A few months later, the election was redone as a result of the challenge, and Imamoglu again prevailed. After calling the cancellation of valid elections an act of "foolishness" on November 4, 2019, Imamoglu was charged with insulting senior public officials. The mayor insisted that his statements were a response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu labelling him "a fool" and accused Imamoglu of disparaging Turkey during a visit to the European Parliament. He denied insulting the members of the electoral council. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Istanbul mayor sentenced, barred from politics for insulting Turkish authorities

Turkey was rattled by a 6.1&nbsp;magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city. At least 35 people are reported to be injured.

Country's health minister Fahrettin Koca said in a tweet that among the 35 injured, 32 are from Duzce, one from Istanbul, and the other two in the nearby provinces of Bolu and Zonguldak.

The tremors were so strong that it was felt in Istanbul and the capital Ankara. So far, no reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure have emerged. Tukey is oe of the most active earthquake regions in the world.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's depth was 3.9km. The Turkish authorities said the quake was at a magnitude of 5.9 —lower than the 6.1 given by the US agency.

A second quake with a 3.9 magnitude quake also struck later, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

<h2>Indonesia Earthquake: At least 268 dead, over 151 still missing two days after disaster</h2>

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Local media reports stated that some areas witnessed power disruption, while some people got out of their buildings for safety.

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that there had been no information about casualties.&nbsp;Authorities announced that schools would be closed on Wednesday in Duzce and Sakarya provinces.

It comes 10 days after the country marked the 23rd anniversary of the 1999 earthquake in the same province that killed 710 people. Nationwide earthquake drills were conducted.

Around 80 per cent of Duzce's infrastructure has been rebuilt since the 1999 earthquakes, the city's mayor told local media.

Dunce’s 1999 earthquake followed an even larger one that took place months earlier in Izmit city which killed more than 17,000 and left buildings in the region in a weakened state.

Duzce was hit by a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999 which left at least 845 people dead.

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Turkey was rattled by a 6.1 magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city.

Turkey was rattled by a 6.1 magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city. At least 35 people are reported to be injured. Country's health minister Fahrettin Koca said in a tweet that among the 35 injured, 32 are from Duzce, one from Istanbul, and the other two in the nearby provinces of Bolu and Zonguldak. The tremors were so strong that it was felt in Istanbul and the capital Ankara. So far, no reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure have emerged. Tukey is oe of the most active earthquake regions in the world. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's depth was 3.9km. The Turkish authorities said the quake was at a magnitude of 5.9 —lower than the 6.1 given by the US agency. A second quake with a 3.9 magnitude quake also struck later, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. Indonesia Earthquake: At least 268 dead, over 151 still missing two days after disaster Local media reports stated that some areas witnessed power disruption, while some people got out of their buildings for safety. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that there had been no information about casualties. Authorities announced that schools would be closed on Wednesday in Duzce and Sakarya provinces. It comes 10 days after the country marked the 23rd anniversary of the 1999 earthquake in the same province that killed 710 people. Nationwide earthquake drills were conducted. Around 80 per cent of Duzce's infrastructure has been rebuilt since the 1999 earthquakes, the city's mayor told local media. Dunce’s 1999 earthquake followed an even larger one that took place months earlier in Izmit city which killed more than 17,000 and left buildings in the region in a weakened state. Duzce was hit by a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999 which left at least 845 people dead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

6.1 magnitude earthquake rattles Turkey, injuring 35

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Sword air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, almost a week after a deadly blast in central Istanbul, the defence minister said.

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Sword air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, almost a week after a deadly blast in central Istanbul, the defence minister said. “We are starting Operation Claw-Sword from now on,” said Türkiye's defence minister Hulusi Akar as per an AFP report. A defence ministry statement said he directed the offensive from the air force operations centre with top commanders, before the planes left their bases to hit the targets. Türkiye's air force launched an attack on Kurdish bases in northern Syria. The Turkish defence ministry tweeted, “The hour of reckoning has come.” In another post, the ministry shared a video of the Kurdish base being hit with precision strikes. Hesap zamanı! Alçaklardan hain saldırıların hesabı soruluyor! 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/pnEbFDkOF7 — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) November 19, 2022 × Terör yuvaları tam isabet vuruşlarla yerle bir ediliyor! 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/9jiFRn0hej — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) November 19, 2022 × British-based war monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said that at least 31 people have been killed so far in the air raids. Notably, Türkiye has blamed the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its affiliate Syria Kurdish groups for the blast that rocked central Istanbul last week, killing 13. WATCH | Istanbul street blast suspect arrested × According to reports, the target of Turkish attacks has been the northern Syrian border city of Kobane. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed that the city had been targetted in the attacks. “Kobane, the city that defeated ISIS, is subjected to bombardment by the aircraft of the Turkish occupation,” tweeted SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami. updated#Kobane, the city that defeated ISIS, is subjected to bombardment by the aircraft of the Turkish occupation. — Farhad Shami (@farhad_shami) November 19, 2022 × “The Turkish occupation aircraft are shelling the al-Beilonya village which is heavily populated with Afrin IDPs who were forcibly displaced from Afrin in 2018,” he added. Notably, Turkish interior minister Suleyman Soylu in the aftermath of the blast said that the order for the attack was given in Kobane, where Turkish forces have carried out operations against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in recent years. Soylu added that the bomber had passed through Afrin, another region in northern Syria, which has been bombed by Turkish jets on Sunday. Read more: Forty-six, including Syrian woman accused of planting the bomb, detained for Istanbul blast The PKK and YPG have denied any involvement in the blast. Meanwhile, Turkish police has captured the chief suspect Alham Albashir -- a Syrian woman who is said to have been working for Kurdish militants, in an Istanbul suburb. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Türkiye launches air raids against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq, 31 dead

Bulgaria on Saturday (November 19) charged five people with helping one of the suspects in Istanbul blast. Last weekend's blast in central Istanbul killed six people. Turkiye, which has jailed 17 people over the blast has blamed the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the blast. Turkiye regards the PKK as a 'terror group'. Those who died in the blast included two girls aged nine and 15.

"Five people have been charged" over their "logistical" help to one of the suspects to flee, Siyka Mileva, a spokeswoman for the Sofia prosecutor's office told AFP. &nbsp;

Bulgaria's local media said that three or those charged were from Moldova and a fourth was from an unspecified Arab country. There were no immediate details about the fifth person.

The PKK and its Syrian offshoot the YPG have denied involvement in the blast, which also wounded 81 people. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Turkish police captured the chief suspect Alham Albashir -- a Syrian woman who is said to have been working for Kurdish militants -- in an Istanbul suburb.&nbsp;

Albashir reportedly confessed to planting the bomb during her interrogation.&nbsp;

The Istanbul court remanded the 17 suspects in pre-trial detention on charges of "destroying national unity" and "deliberate killing".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bulgaria on Saturday (November 19) charged five people with helping one of the suspects in Istanbul blast. Last weekend's blast in central Istanbul killed six people.

Bulgaria on Saturday (November 19) charged five people with helping one of the suspects in Istanbul blast. Last weekend's blast in central Istanbul killed six people. Turkiye, which has jailed 17 people over the blast has blamed the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the blast. Turkiye regards the PKK as a 'terror group'. Those who died in the blast included two girls aged nine and 15. "Five people have been charged" over their "logistical" help to one of the suspects to flee, Siyka Mileva, a spokeswoman for the Sofia prosecutor's office told AFP. Bulgaria's local media said that three or those charged were from Moldova and a fourth was from an unspecified Arab country. There were no immediate details about the fifth person. The PKK and its Syrian offshoot the YPG have denied involvement in the blast, which also wounded 81 people. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkish police captured the chief suspect Alham Albashir -- a Syrian woman who is said to have been working for Kurdish militants -- in an Istanbul suburb. Albashir reportedly confessed to planting the bomb during her interrogation. The Istanbul court remanded the 17 suspects in pre-trial detention on charges of "destroying national unity" and "deliberate killing". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bulgaria: Five charged with helping Istanbul blast suspect

At least six people have died and 81 have been injured in a blast that rocked the Turkish capital over the weekend. One suspect has been arrested.

Istanbul street blast suspect arrested

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has said that the man who left the bomb in a usually crowded thoroughfare in central Istanbul has been arrested.&nbsp;"The person who planted the bomb has been arrested," Suleyman Soylu said in a statement broadcast by the official Anadolu news agency.&nbsp;

"According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible," he said.

The PKK has been&nbsp;blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies. It&nbsp;has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s.

At least six people lost their lives, and 81 others were injured in the Sunday blast on Istanbul's Istiklal Street. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his vice president, Fuat Oktay, had earlier said that "a woman" was responsible for the attack, which Soylu did not immediately address on Monday.&nbsp;

Erdogan had said that the initial signs pointed to a terror attack.&nbsp;"Efforts to defeat Turkey and the Turkish people through terrorism will fail today just as they did yesterday and as they will fail again tomorrow," Erdogan told a news conference. The figures for casualties and injured were shared by Istanbul's governor Ali Yerlikaya.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Videos circulating on social media showed multiple people on the ground amid bomb wreckage.&nbsp;The video shows the arrival of the ambulance and police on the spot.&nbsp;One video showed a blast and&nbsp;flames accompanied by a loud bang.&nbsp; 
 
The avenue, lined by shops and restaurants, is a crowded thoroughfare which is quite popular among tourists and locals.

According to accounts in Turkish media, the explosion took place at about 4:20 local time (1330 GMT).

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İstiklal Caddesi'nde meydana gelen patlamada ilk belirlemelere göre 4 kişi yaşamını yitirdi, 38 kişi de yaralandı. 
 
Yaralılarımız tedavi altına alınmıştır. 
 
Hayatını kaybedenlere Allah'tan rahmet, yaralılara acil şifalar diliyoruz. 
 
Gelişmeler kamuoyuyla paylaşılacaktır
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/AliYerlikaya/status/1591803980371595265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Istiklal Street, which is near Taksim Square, was reportedly sealed off as stores shuttered, according to people on social media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiye-appoints-new-envoy-to-israel-after-four-year-hiatus-533555">Turkiye appoints new envoy to Israel after four-year hiatus</a>

Graphic content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised.

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The moment of the explosion in the Istiklal Street, you can see the fire far in the middle and hear the noise in this video <a href="https://t.co/qFt4QfG9e7">pic.twitter.com/qFt4QfG9e7</a>
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ragipsoylu/status/1591787924110331905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Crime inspectors were reportedly at the scene, according to local media. As per Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an investigation into the blast has been initiated.&nbsp;

Around an hour after the bomb, Turkey's RTUK authority imposed a broadcast ban on the coverage of the explosion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has said that the man who left the bomb in a usually crowded thoroughfare in central Istanbul has been arrested. "The person who planted the bomb has been arrested," Suleyman Soylu said in a statement broadcast by the official Anadolu news agency.

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has said that the man who left the bomb in a usually crowded thoroughfare in central Istanbul has been arrested. "The person who planted the bomb has been arrested," Suleyman Soylu said in a statement broadcast by the official Anadolu news agency. "According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible," he said. The PKK has been blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies. It has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s. At least six people lost their lives, and 81 others were injured in the Sunday blast on Istanbul's Istiklal Street. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his vice president, Fuat Oktay, had earlier said that "a woman" was responsible for the attack, which Soylu did not immediately address on Monday. Erdogan had said that the initial signs pointed to a terror attack. "Efforts to defeat Turkey and the Turkish people through terrorism will fail today just as they did yesterday and as they will fail again tomorrow," Erdogan told a news conference. The figures for casualties and injured were shared by Istanbul's governor Ali Yerlikaya. × Videos circulating on social media showed multiple people on the ground amid bomb wreckage. The video shows the arrival of the ambulance and police on the spot. One video showed a blast and flames accompanied by a loud bang. The avenue, lined by shops and restaurants, is a crowded thoroughfare which is quite popular among tourists and locals. According to accounts in Turkish media, the explosion took place at about 4:20 local time (1330 GMT). İstiklal Caddesi'nde meydana gelen patlamada ilk belirlemelere göre 4 kişi yaşamını yitirdi, 38 kişi de yaralandı. Yaralılarımız tedavi altına alınmıştır. Hayatını kaybedenlere Allah'tan rahmet, yaralılara acil şifalar diliyoruz. Gelişmeler kamuoyuyla paylaşılacaktır — Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) November 13, 2022 × Istiklal Street, which is near Taksim Square, was reportedly sealed off as stores shuttered, according to people on social media. Also read | Turkiye appoints new envoy to Israel after four-year hiatus Graphic content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. The moment of the explosion in the Istiklal Street, you can see the fire far in the middle and hear the noise in this video pic.twitter.com/qFt4QfG9e7 — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) November 13, 2022 × Crime inspectors were reportedly at the scene, according to local media. As per Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an investigation into the blast has been initiated. Around an hour after the bomb, Turkey's RTUK authority imposed a broadcast ban on the coverage of the explosion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

One held in Istanbul bomb blast that left 6 dead, interior minister holds terror group PKK responsible

In this news, we bring to you the latest updates from the blast that rocked the Turkish capital over the weekend. At least six people have died and 81 have been injured in a "heinous act."

Istanbul Explosion: 6 killed, at least 81 injured in suspected terror attack

Turkiye on Monday (November 14) rejected US condolences offered for the death of six people in a blast in Istanbul. Turkiye has blamed the blast on Kurdish militant group.&nbsp;

Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often accuses the US of supplying weapons to Kurdish fighters in Syria. The Kurdish fighters have been deemed as 'terrorists' by Turkiye.

"We do not accept the US embassy's message of condolences. We reject it," Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said in televised comments.&nbsp;

Although Turkiye criticises US regularly, the timing of the latest rebuke has raised eyebrows as it was made just hours before G20 summit was to start in Bali, Indonesia. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden have already reached at the venue.

Erdogan has previously called the bombing a "vile attack" that had the "smell of terror".

A nine-year old girl and her father, as well as a 15-year-old girl and her mother were among those killed in the attack.

Istanbul police said Monday that 46 people had been detained in total.

Erdogan's government accused the PKK of carrying out the explosion shortly before the president landed in the Indonesian resort island of Bali for the G20 summit.

Police footage shared with Turkish media showed a young woman in a purple sweatshirt being apprehended in an Istanbul flat.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye on Monday (November 14) rejected US condolences offered for the death of six people in a blast in Istanbul. Turkiye has blamed the blast on Kurdish militant group.

Turkiye on Monday (November 14) rejected US condolences offered for the death of six people in a blast in Istanbul. Turkiye has blamed the blast on Kurdish militant group. Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often accuses the US of supplying weapons to Kurdish fighters in Syria. The Kurdish fighters have been deemed as 'terrorists' by Turkiye. "We do not accept the US embassy's message of condolences. We reject it," Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said in televised comments. Although Turkiye criticises US regularly, the timing of the latest rebuke has raised eyebrows as it was made just hours before G20 summit was to start in Bali, Indonesia. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden have already reached at the venue. Erdogan has previously called the bombing a "vile attack" that had the "smell of terror". A nine-year old girl and her father, as well as a 15-year-old girl and her mother were among those killed in the attack. Istanbul police said Monday that 46 people had been detained in total. Erdogan's government accused the PKK of carrying out the explosion shortly before the president landed in the Indonesian resort island of Bali for the G20 summit. Police footage shared with Turkish media showed a young woman in a purple sweatshirt being apprehended in an Istanbul flat. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Istanbul bombing: Turkiye 'rejects' US condolences hours before G20 summit

In response to an explosion that struck Istanbul's bustling Istiklal boulevard, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, claims that at least six people have died and 53 have been injured in a "heinous act."

Istanbul Blast: Explosion kills at least six, injures over 50

While the T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations and is set for a thrilling finish, on November 13, there is plenty in store for cricket fans even after the end of the mega event in Australia. Soon after the conclusion of the T20 WC, the IPL 2023 mini-auction will take place in late December. The mini auction is set to be held in Kochi on December 23.&nbsp;

As per a report in ESPNCricnifo, the mini-auction for the 16th edition of the IPL -- which is just over four months away from its commencement -- will be hosted by Kochi, and not Istanbul or Bengaluru as per earlier reports. Prior to this, many portals had indicated that the BCCI is keen to take the auction outside India, however, it seems it won't be the case this time around. Early in 2022, the IPL 2022 two-day mega auction had been held in Bengaluru. Hence, this will be the second time when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be staging the IPL auction twice in a calendar year (after 2018).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-likely-to-release-shardul-thakur-ks-bharat-and-three-others-ahead-of-ipl-2023-532307">Delhi Capitals likely to release Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat and three others ahead of IPL 2023</a>

It is to be noted that all the ten IPL franchises have been given a deadline to submit their retained and released list of players by November 15. Not a lot has been confirmed as to who will be the players to be released by all the ten teams. On Tuesday (November 08), the likes of Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, New Zealand's explosive hitter Tim Seifert, Mandeep Singh, and Ashwin Habbar are the other four players set to be released by the one-time runners Delhi Capitals (DC).

"Shardul is a premium all-rounder but his price tag was an issue. The others who are set to be released are Hebbar, Mandeep, Seifert, and Bharat," an IPL source was quoted as saying by PTI.

Among the other franchises, the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Navdeep Saini, Shivam Mavi,&nbsp;Dushmantha Chameera, Manish Pandey,&nbsp;Romario Shepherd,&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane, Aaron Finch, etc. are some big names who are expected to be released.&nbsp;

While the T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations and is set for a thrilling finish, on November 13, there is plenty in store for cricket fans even after the end of the mega event in Australia.

While the T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations and is set for a thrilling finish, on November 13, there is plenty in store for cricket fans even after the end of the mega event in Australia. Soon after the conclusion of the T20 WC, the IPL 2023 mini-auction will take place in late December. The mini auction is set to be held in Kochi on December 23. As per a report in ESPNCricnifo, the mini-auction for the 16th edition of the IPL -- which is just over four months away from its commencement -- will be hosted by Kochi, and not Istanbul or Bengaluru as per earlier reports. Prior to this, many portals had indicated that the BCCI is keen to take the auction outside India, however, it seems it won't be the case this time around. Early in 2022, the IPL 2022 two-day mega auction had been held in Bengaluru. Hence, this will be the second time when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be staging the IPL auction twice in a calendar year (after 2018). ALSO READ | Delhi Capitals likely to release Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat and three others ahead of IPL 2023 It is to be noted that all the ten IPL franchises have been given a deadline to submit their retained and released list of players by November 15. Not a lot has been confirmed as to who will be the players to be released by all the ten teams. On Tuesday (November 08), the likes of Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, New Zealand's explosive hitter Tim Seifert, Mandeep Singh, and Ashwin Habbar are the other four players set to be released by the one-time runners Delhi Capitals (DC). "Shardul is a premium all-rounder but his price tag was an issue. The others who are set to be released are Hebbar, Mandeep, Seifert, and Bharat," an IPL source was quoted as saying by PTI. Among the other franchises, the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Navdeep Saini, Shivam Mavi, Dushmantha Chameera, Manish Pandey, Romario Shepherd, Ajinkya Rahane, Aaron Finch, etc. are some big names who are expected to be released.

Not Bengaluru or Istanbul! IPL 2023 mini-auction to be held in Kochi on December 23: Report

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023's mini auction is set to be held in mid-December. As per the latest development, the Indian Premier League are preparing to take a big step in a bid to globalise their brand as the forthcoming auction can be held outside India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is aiming to take the auction outside, with Istanbul being a strong contender for the high-profile proceedings. Apart from Istanbul, Bengaluru is also being considered as another option. The city had also hosted the IPL 2022 mega auction.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, the newly-appointed IPL chairman Arun Dhamal has put ahead the option of taking the mini-auction to&nbsp;Turkey. The administrations of the board have been in talks with the 10 IPL franchises, however, a final call is yet to be out. A final decision is expected to be out in the first week of November.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-bcci-slams-icc-as-lack-of-hot-food-prompts-india-to-order-online-before-netherlands-tie-report-528432">T20 WC: BCCI slams ICC as lack of hot food prompts India to order online after practice session - Report</a>

Few years back, the BCCI was set to take the auction to London. However, there were resistance from the other IPL franchises back then which led to the discussion being out of the picture. In the current scenario, the situation has changed with a substantial increase in IPL&nbsp;revenue and media rights deal. Thus, it has forced the IPL franchises to consider the move of taking the auction out of India.&nbsp;

As per reports, the 10 IPL franchises have been given a deadline to submit their list of retained and released players by Novemebr 15. The players who won't be retained will get a chance to put his name in the IPL 2023 mini auction.&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023's mini auction is set to be held in mid-December. As per the latest development, the Indian Premier League are preparing to take a big step in a bid to globalise their brand as the forthcoming auction can be held outside India.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023's mini auction is set to be held in mid-December. As per the latest development, the Indian Premier League are preparing to take a big step in a bid to globalise their brand as the forthcoming auction can be held outside India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is aiming to take the auction outside, with Istanbul being a strong contender for the high-profile proceedings. Apart from Istanbul, Bengaluru is also being considered as another option. The city had also hosted the IPL 2022 mega auction. As per a report in Cricbuzz, the newly-appointed IPL chairman Arun Dhamal has put ahead the option of taking the mini-auction to Turkey. The administrations of the board have been in talks with the 10 IPL franchises, however, a final call is yet to be out. A final decision is expected to be out in the first week of November. ALSO READ | T20 WC: BCCI slams ICC as lack of hot food prompts India to order online after practice session - Report Few years back, the BCCI was set to take the auction to London. However, there were resistance from the other IPL franchises back then which led to the discussion being out of the picture. In the current scenario, the situation has changed with a substantial increase in IPL revenue and media rights deal. Thus, it has forced the IPL franchises to consider the move of taking the auction out of India. As per reports, the 10 IPL franchises have been given a deadline to submit their list of retained and released players by Novemebr 15. The players who won't be retained will get a chance to put his name in the IPL 2023 mini auction.

Istanbul to host IPL 2023? BCCI set to announce venue by early November - Report

A massive fire has broken out in a 24-storey skyscraper in Istanbul. The reports say that the bottom levels of the high-rise quickly caught on fire and rapidly spread to the top stories. Watch the video to know more details.

Istanbul: Fire breaks out in 24-storey skyscraper

In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday.&nbsp;

The 173-meter (567.59-foot) Lady Zehma was securely grounded and anchored following a rudder failure at around 1800 GMT, according to the Istanbul governor's office and a shipping company.&nbsp;

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📹 | Cargo ship "Lady Zehma" transporting corn from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> runs aground at the Bosphorus in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T%C3%BCrkiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Türkiye</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Istanbul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Istanbul</a>. 
 
▪️Turkish Coastguard sends ships to save the Lady Zehma. 
▪️Traffic at the Bosphorus has been suspended. <a href="https://t.co/KbDWsNEBNx">pic.twitter.com/KbDWsNEBNx</a>
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The office said that no one was wounded and that Coast Guards were responding. According to a witness and Refinitiv Eikon data, its bow was around 150 metres from the beach in the crowded Bebek neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and blockade of its Black Sea ports, which raised food prices globally and raised concerns about scarcity in Africa and the Middle East, Ukraine's grain exports plummeted.&nbsp;

The agreement, negotiated by the U.N. and Ankara and signed on July 22 by Moscow and Kyiv, unblocked three ports.&nbsp;

The ship "got stranded during her passage from the strait (and) an emergency boarding operation is underway," according to Turkish police, according to the Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which manages the deal and involves U.N., Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish officials.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-discovered-africas-oldest-dinosaur-named-mbiresaurus-raathi-in-zimbabwe-512201">Scientists have discovered Africa's oldest dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi in Zimbabwe</a>

The Lady Zehma was given permission earlier this week to sail from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Ravenna, Italy, carrying 3,000 tonnes of corn, according to the JCC. The Tribeca shipping company in Turkiye reported that it contained 30,274 tonnes of maize.&nbsp;

According to the JCC, 139 inbound and outbound journeys had been made possible as of Wednesday, and around 1.55 million tonnes of grain and other products have been exported from Ukraine as a result of the agreement.&nbsp;

On the gorgeous Bosphorus, which separates Turkiye's largest metropolis and links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea and ultimately to the Mediterranean, such incidents are uncommon.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday.

In the first occurrence of this kind since a July export agreement mediated by the United Nations, a cargo ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tonnes) of corn from Ukraine grounded in Istanbul on Thursday. The 173-meter (567.59-foot) Lady Zehma was securely grounded and anchored following a rudder failure at around 1800 GMT, according to the Istanbul governor's office and a shipping company. 📹 | Cargo ship "Lady Zehma" transporting corn from #Ukraine runs aground at the Bosphorus in #Türkiye's #Istanbul. ▪️Turkish Coastguard sends ships to save the Lady Zehma. ▪️Traffic at the Bosphorus has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/KbDWsNEBNx — EHA News (@eha_news) September 1, 2022 × The office said that no one was wounded and that Coast Guards were responding. According to a witness and Refinitiv Eikon data, its bow was around 150 metres from the beach in the crowded Bebek neighbourhood. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and blockade of its Black Sea ports, which raised food prices globally and raised concerns about scarcity in Africa and the Middle East, Ukraine's grain exports plummeted. The agreement, negotiated by the U.N. and Ankara and signed on July 22 by Moscow and Kyiv, unblocked three ports. The ship "got stranded during her passage from the strait (and) an emergency boarding operation is underway," according to Turkish police, according to the Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which manages the deal and involves U.N., Russian, Ukrainian, and Turkish officials. Also Read: Scientists have discovered Africa's oldest dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi in Zimbabwe The Lady Zehma was given permission earlier this week to sail from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Ravenna, Italy, carrying 3,000 tonnes of corn, according to the JCC. The Tribeca shipping company in Turkiye reported that it contained 30,274 tonnes of maize. According to the JCC, 139 inbound and outbound journeys had been made possible as of Wednesday, and around 1.55 million tonnes of grain and other products have been exported from Ukraine as a result of the agreement. On the gorgeous Bosphorus, which separates Turkiye's largest metropolis and links the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea and ultimately to the Mediterranean, such incidents are uncommon. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Ukrainian grain ship grounded in Istanbul, halting traffic on Turkiye's Bosphorus strait

Istanbul, a historic megalopolis of 16 million residents, is not normally thought of as a seaside resort. But here, you can swim between two seas and two continents. Ghadi Francis tells you more on The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Swimming between 2 seas and 2 continents in Istanbul

The huge ancient Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica) under the city of Istanbul has reopened after a five-year makeover. It was built for the capital of his Eastern Roman Empire.&nbsp;

Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the popular Turkish city, Istanbul. The stunning makeover has made this site into a gorgeous haven of underground sound and light.&nbsp;

The Basilica Cistern was built in AD 542 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. As far as the location is concerned, it is 150 metres southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu. Now, it is kept with little water so that the public can access it from the inside.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-skeleton-of-gorgosaurus-dinosaur-to-go-under-hammer-sells-for-over-6-million-501600">First skeleton of Gorgosaurus dinosaur to go under hammer sells for over $6 million</a>&nbsp;

Historians have said that it was once part of a network of more than 100 cisterns started by the Romans. They were later completed by the Byzantines and Ottomans. These systems were made to supply the city and its palaces with running water.&nbsp;

Because of its location under a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, it was called Basilica. During the Early Roman Age, a great Basilica used to stand in its place. It was said to be built between the 3rd and 4th centuries.&nbsp;

If claims are to be believed, around 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern.&nbsp;

Historians have claimed tha the basilica contained gardens, surrounded by a colonnade and facing the Hagia Sophia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-closely-monitoring-uncontrolled-debris-from-rocket-it-could-hit-earth-within-days-501579">China closely monitoring uncontrolled debris from rocket. It could hit Earth within days</a>&nbsp;

The site was partially closed for restoration in 2017. There were fears the basilica could crumble in case even the slightest tremors of an earthquake were to jolt Istanbul. It has&nbsp;undergone several restorations since its foundation.&nbsp;

Aysen Kaya, deputy head of the municipality's heritage department, said, "By scraping off the added layers of cement, we brought the bricks up to date." Kaya also pointed out that two pipes were exposed by the latest work: one which brought water.&nbsp;

The Basilica Cistern could store nearly 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons) of water. The feat helped protect the Byzantines from summer drought.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The huge ancient Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica) under the city of Istanbul has reopened after a five-year makeover. It was built for the capital of his Eastern Roman Empire.

The huge ancient Basilica Cistern (or Cisterna Basilica) under the city of Istanbul has reopened after a five-year makeover. It was built for the capital of his Eastern Roman Empire. Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the popular Turkish city, Istanbul. The stunning makeover has made this site into a gorgeous haven of underground sound and light. The Basilica Cistern was built in AD 542 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. As far as the location is concerned, it is 150 metres southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu. Now, it is kept with little water so that the public can access it from the inside. ALSO READ | First skeleton of Gorgosaurus dinosaur to go under hammer sells for over $6 million Historians have said that it was once part of a network of more than 100 cisterns started by the Romans. They were later completed by the Byzantines and Ottomans. These systems were made to supply the city and its palaces with running water. Because of its location under a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, it was called Basilica. During the Early Roman Age, a great Basilica used to stand in its place. It was said to be built between the 3rd and 4th centuries. If claims are to be believed, around 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern. Historians have claimed tha the basilica contained gardens, surrounded by a colonnade and facing the Hagia Sophia. ALSO READ | China closely monitoring uncontrolled debris from rocket. It could hit Earth within days The site was partially closed for restoration in 2017. There were fears the basilica could crumble in case even the slightest tremors of an earthquake were to jolt Istanbul. It has undergone several restorations since its foundation. Aysen Kaya, deputy head of the municipality's heritage department, said, "By scraping off the added layers of cement, we brought the bricks up to date." Kaya also pointed out that two pipes were exposed by the latest work: one which brought water. The Basilica Cistern could store nearly 80,000 litres (21,000 gallons) of water. The feat helped protect the Byzantines from summer drought. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Basilica Cistern: After a five-year makeover, stunning ancient water underworld reopens in Istanbul

For the first time in months, Russia and Ukraine have came face to face, shared the same negotiation table and held direct talks in Istanbul. It was a four-way meeting between the military delegation of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations to discuss the resumption of stalled grain deliveries across the Black Sea.

Moscow & Kyiv delegates meet in Istanbul | Talks focus on resuming grain exports

Turkish police arrested hundreds of people at the Istanbul Pride March on June 26, 2022, in a sweeping display of violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

Turkiye: Mass arrests, violence at pride parade

Almost 200 pride participants and LGBTQ+ activists have been detained after participating in a banned pride march in Istanbul.

Istanbul: Cops detain hundreds of pride participants & activists

Istanbul: Cops crackdown on pride march at Taksim Square

Turkiye police on Sunday detained more than 150 demonstrators in a Pride march in Istanbul, as reported by AFP. The governor's office had banned the march around Taksim Square in the heart of Istanbul but protesters gathered nearby under heavy police presence earlier than scheduled. &nbsp;

"All those detained solely for their participation in Pride must be released immediately and unconditionally," Milena Buyum of Amnesty International said.&nbsp;

Police detained protesters, loading them into buses. Kilic, who was also detained last year during the Pride march, was in police custody.&nbsp;

Hundreds of protesters carrying rainbow flags pressed ahead with the rally in defiance of the police.&nbsp;

"The future is queer," they chanted. "We are here. We are queer. We are not going anywhere."

Police prevented the press from filming the arrests, according to AFP journalists.&nbsp;

Although homosexuality has been legal throughout the period of the modern Turkish republic, LGBTQ individuals point to regular harassment and abuse.

Diren, a 22-year-old university student, condemned the hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-announced-600-billion-global-infrastructure-plan-to-rival-chinas-bri-492064">G7 announced $600 billion global infrastructure plan to rival China’s BRI</a>

"We are banned, prevented, discriminated and even killed at every second of our lives. Today, it's a very special day for us to defend our rights and to say that we do exist," Diren told AFP.&nbsp;

Istanbul Pride had taken place every year since 2003. The last march which went ahead without a ban was in 2014 and drew tens of thousands of participants in one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the majority Muslim region.

In 2020, streaming giant Netflix cancelled the production of a series in Turkiye featuring a gay character after failing to obtain government permission for the filming. The same year, French sports brand Decathlon faced boycott calls in Turkiye for posting messages of support for LGBTQ people.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Turkiye police on Sunday detained more than 150 demonstrators in a Pride march in Istanbul, as reported by AFP. The governor's office had banned the march around Taksim Square in the heart of Istanbul but protesters gathered nearby under heavy police presence earlier than scheduled.

Turkiye police on Sunday detained more than 150 demonstrators in a Pride march in Istanbul, as reported by AFP. The governor's office had banned the march around Taksim Square in the heart of Istanbul but protesters gathered nearby under heavy police presence earlier than scheduled. "All those detained solely for their participation in Pride must be released immediately and unconditionally," Milena Buyum of Amnesty International said. Police detained protesters, loading them into buses. Kilic, who was also detained last year during the Pride march, was in police custody. Hundreds of protesters carrying rainbow flags pressed ahead with the rally in defiance of the police. "The future is queer," they chanted. "We are here. We are queer. We are not going anywhere." Police prevented the press from filming the arrests, according to AFP journalists. Although homosexuality has been legal throughout the period of the modern Turkish republic, LGBTQ individuals point to regular harassment and abuse. Diren, a 22-year-old university student, condemned the hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people. Also Read: G7 announced $600 billion global infrastructure plan to rival China’s BRI "We are banned, prevented, discriminated and even killed at every second of our lives. Today, it's a very special day for us to defend our rights and to say that we do exist," Diren told AFP. Istanbul Pride had taken place every year since 2003. The last march which went ahead without a ban was in 2014 and drew tens of thousands of participants in one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the majority Muslim region. In 2020, streaming giant Netflix cancelled the production of a series in Turkiye featuring a gay character after failing to obtain government permission for the filming. The same year, French sports brand Decathlon faced boycott calls in Turkiye for posting messages of support for LGBTQ people. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkiye police detain pride march demonstrators in Istanbul

We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a &nbsp;popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down.

Protesters outside the court waved banners bearing slogans such as "You will never walk alone!" and "We will stop women's murders", alongside the families of women murdered by men. &nbsp;

Hundreds of women rallied outside the court in Istanbul in support of women.

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Ipek Bozkurt, the lawyer for We Will Stop Femicide Platform, said femicides were "political" -- and so was the lawsuit.&nbsp;

"This is a move against the platform which strongly condemned the withdrawal from the Istanbul convention.

Therefore in our defence, we will explain to the judges why this case lacks legal grounds," she said.&nbsp;

Almost 300 lawyers from across Turkey expressed an interest in defending the group.&nbsp;

Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender. We Will Stop Femicide group has been working in order to raise awareness for this issue since 2010.&nbsp;

Aysun Kilic, from the bar association in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, said We Will Stop Femicide was conducting a careful, up-to-date study about murdered women.&nbsp;"This is actually the duty of the state," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"While this is the case, we find the lawsuit unlawful, dangerous for women's rights and an attempt to undermine a study on women's killings. This case is harming us and our fight for women's rights," she said.&nbsp;

Social conservatives in Turkey believe that the We Will Stop Femicide group supports homosexuality and works against traditional family values.&nbsp;

Melek Onder, another spokesperson of the group, remained defiant. "This legal action empowers us rather than weakens us," she told AFP.

"It's impossible to shut down this platform when women are still becoming victims of femicide," she said.&nbsp;"We are not desperate at all because we know that they cannot stop our struggle."

&nbsp;

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We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down.

We Will Stop Femicide Platform, a popular Turkish anti-femicide group went on trial in Istanbul on Wednesday, having been accused of unlawful activities. If convicted, the group could be shut down. Protesters outside the court waved banners bearing slogans such as "You will never walk alone!" and "We will stop women's murders", alongside the families of women murdered by men. Hundreds of women rallied outside the court in Istanbul in support of women. Ipek Bozkurt, the lawyer for We Will Stop Femicide Platform, said femicides were "political" -- and so was the lawsuit. "This is a move against the platform which strongly condemned the withdrawal from the Istanbul convention. Therefore in our defence, we will explain to the judges why this case lacks legal grounds," she said. Almost 300 lawyers from across Turkey expressed an interest in defending the group. Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender. We Will Stop Femicide group has been working in order to raise awareness for this issue since 2010. Aysun Kilic, from the bar association in the northwestern province of Kocaeli, said We Will Stop Femicide was conducting a careful, up-to-date study about murdered women. "This is actually the duty of the state," she told AFP. "While this is the case, we find the lawsuit unlawful, dangerous for women's rights and an attempt to undermine a study on women's killings. This case is harming us and our fight for women's rights," she said. Social conservatives in Turkey believe that the We Will Stop Femicide group supports homosexuality and works against traditional family values. Melek Onder, another spokesperson of the group, remained defiant. "This legal action empowers us rather than weakens us," she told AFP. "It's impossible to shut down this platform when women are still becoming victims of femicide," she said. "We are not desperate at all because we know that they cannot stop our struggle." [ With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Anti-femicide group goes on trial in Turkey, hundreds of women gather in support

A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper.

The incident took place in front of the historic Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district of the city on Tuesday afternoon. A clip of the man engulfed in flames as people witness the horrific incident in disbelief went viral on social media.

According to Turkish media reports, it was unclear what prompted him to carry out the horrific act, and it is not known how seriously he was injured.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene.

Even though his identity has not been released, it was reported that the man belonged to Konya province.

According to local news outlet A3Haber, the distressed man, who has not been named, was seen walking around with a sickle and gasoline in his hand for a long period.

Footage shared online appears to show people taking selfies with the burning figure in the background.

A man and a woman are seen holding a phone aloft with their backs to the heartbreaking scene unfolding behind them. While a few other people immediately intervened and extinguished the flames.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/28-year-old-man-arrested-for-trespassing-buckingham-palace-told-staff-want-to-see-the-queen-484000" hreflang="en">28-year-old man arrested for trespassing Buckingham Palace</a>

It has been reported that the man has suffered second and third degree burns and his condition is said to be serious.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-and-20-injured-as-two-colliding-cars-ram-into-crowd-in-nebraska-483843" hreflang="en">Two killed and 20 injured as two colliding cars ram into crowd in Nebraska</a>

One person rued on&nbsp;Twitter, "A person burned himself in front of the Galata tower because of what he had been through…While the event was taking place, there were children, those who took selfies, and those who drank their lemonade in the cafe.”

"Where there were so many people and shopkeepers, there was no one to stop or prevent a person's desperation before the event."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper.

A man set himself ablaze at a popular tourist site in Istanbul, Turkey, as onlookers took selfies while a few scrambled for fire extinguishers, reports The Daily Mirror newspaper. The incident took place in front of the historic Galata Tower in the Beyoglu district of the city on Tuesday afternoon. A clip of the man engulfed in flames as people witness the horrific incident in disbelief went viral on social media. According to Turkish media reports, it was unclear what prompted him to carry out the horrific act, and it is not known how seriously he was injured. Police and paramedics were called to the scene. Even though his identity has not been released, it was reported that the man belonged to Konya province. According to local news outlet A3Haber, the distressed man, who has not been named, was seen walking around with a sickle and gasoline in his hand for a long period. Footage shared online appears to show people taking selfies with the burning figure in the background. A man and a woman are seen holding a phone aloft with their backs to the heartbreaking scene unfolding behind them. While a few other people immediately intervened and extinguished the flames. Also read | 28-year-old man arrested for trespassing Buckingham Palace It has been reported that the man has suffered second and third degree burns and his condition is said to be serious. Also read | Two killed and 20 injured as two colliding cars ram into crowd in Nebraska One person rued on Twitter, "A person burned himself in front of the Galata tower because of what he had been through…While the event was taking place, there were children, those who took selfies, and those who drank their lemonade in the cafe.” "Where there were so many people and shopkeepers, there was no one to stop or prevent a person's desperation before the event." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man sets himself on fire in Istanbul as bystanders click selfies

Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries.

"The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level," Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said, raising the possibility of a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin that Russia had shot down as recently as Monday as being "counterproductive".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-and-russia-what-are-the-latest-updates-467024">&nbsp;Ukraine and Russia: What are the latest updates?</a>

A Russian negotiator welcomed "meaningful" progress with Ukrainian representatives at peace talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul, over a month after Russia invaded its neighbour.

The discussions are focussing on the humanitarian situation in war-scarred Ukrainian regions as well as Russia's demand that Ukraine become a neutral state, among other issues.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-preparing-for-new-russian-offensive-in-the-east-dismisses-russian-claims-of-scaleback-467037">&nbsp;Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine called for an international agreement under which other countries would guarantee its security.

Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia told reporters the guarantee should resemble NATO's Article 5 which commits alliance members to defend each other.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Putin-Zelensky talks possible, Sri Lanka financial crisis &amp; more

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Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries.

Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries. "The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level," Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said, raising the possibility of a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin that Russia had shot down as recently as Monday as being "counterproductive". Also read | Ukraine and Russia: What are the latest updates? A Russian negotiator welcomed "meaningful" progress with Ukrainian representatives at peace talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul, over a month after Russia invaded its neighbour. The discussions are focussing on the humanitarian situation in war-scarred Ukrainian regions as well as Russia's demand that Ukraine become a neutral state, among other issues. Also read | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback Meanwhile, Ukraine called for an international agreement under which other countries would guarantee its security. Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia told reporters the guarantee should resemble NATO's Article 5 which commits alliance members to defend each other. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Putin-Zelensky talks possible, Sri Lanka financial crisis & more

Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting possible after Istanbul talks, says Ukraine

Hundreds of women gathered in Istanbul to protest against the Uighur genocide in China. Will the public outcry reverse Erdogan's silence on Uighurs? Palki Sharma tells you why Erdogan's recent criticism of China is superficial.

Gravitas: Protests against Uighur genocide in Istanbul

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya on Sunday clinched the gold medal in the finals of the Yasar Dogu Ranking Series in Istanbul.

Dahiya defeated Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev 11-10 in a thrilling 61kg final and came back with the gold medal.

After trailing 8-10 against Abdullaev, Dahiya stood better in his last move and ended the bout on a happy note for himself.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stefanos-tsitsipas-grabs-maiden-atp-doubles-title-in-acapulco-beat-dutch-salvadorian-pair-of-rojer-arevalo-457109">Stefanos Tsitsipas grabs maiden ATP doubles title in Acapulco, beat Dutch-Salvadorian pair of Rojer-Arevalo</a>

The silver medallist had earlier won against Iran's Mohammadbagher Esmaeil Yakhkeshi in the semi-final clash of the tournament.

Apart from him, wrestler Deepak Punia defeated Kazakhstan's Elkhan Assadov 7-1 in the bronze medal round of 92kg while Aman and Gyanendra also settled for bronze in 57kg and 60kg category, respectively.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya on Sunday clinched the gold medal in the finals of the Yasar Dogu Ranking Series in Istanbul. Dahiya defeated Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev 11-10 in a thrilling 61kg final and came back with the gold medal.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya on Sunday clinched the gold medal in the finals of the Yasar Dogu Ranking Series in Istanbul. Dahiya defeated Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev 11-10 in a thrilling 61kg final and came back with the gold medal. After trailing 8-10 against Abdullaev, Dahiya stood better in his last move and ended the bout on a happy note for himself. ALSO READ: Stefanos Tsitsipas grabs maiden ATP doubles title in Acapulco, beat Dutch-Salvadorian pair of Rojer-Arevalo The silver medallist had earlier won against Iran's Mohammadbagher Esmaeil Yakhkeshi in the semi-final clash of the tournament. Apart from him, wrestler Deepak Punia defeated Kazakhstan's Elkhan Assadov 7-1 in the bronze medal round of 92kg while Aman and Gyanendra also settled for bronze in 57kg and 60kg category, respectively.

Yasar Dogu: Ravi Dahiya wins gold in a thrilling final against Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev

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