After Hagia Sophia, Turkey's historic Chora church to be converted into mosque

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia.

The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-condemn-bidens-criticism-of-autocrat-erdogan-call-it-pure-ignorance-320963">Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance</a>

The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world.

It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.

It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958.

But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans.

Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship. The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia. The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul. Also read: Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world. It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as Turkey pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958. But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans. Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Now, Turkey to convert another former Istanbul church into mosque

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe.

On the one hand there are&nbsp;European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.&nbsp;On&nbsp;the other, there's Turkey&nbsp;which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate.

Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades.

A key strategic arena

In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars.&nbsp;Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month.

In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident.&nbsp;Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate.&nbsp;Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site.

Erdogan says that the&nbsp;vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23.&nbsp;Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate.&nbsp;“They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan.

Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal.&nbsp;Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters.

Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission.

Will EU stand the test?

The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence.&nbsp;The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue.

Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved.

Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU.&nbsp;Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece. On the other, there's Turkey which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate. Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades. A key strategic arena In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars. Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month. In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident. Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate. Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site. Erdogan says that the vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23. Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate. “They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan. Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal. Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters. Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission. Will EU stand the test? The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence. The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue. Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved. Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU. Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

As Erdogan's Turkey militarises eastern Mediterranean, EU remains divided

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy.

The pictures showed Aamir Khan meeting Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey.

Emine Erdogan tweeted about the meet.

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I had the great pleasure of meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a>, the world-renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and director, in Istanbul. I was happy to learn that Aamir decided to wrap up the shooting of his latest movie ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in different parts of Turkey. I look forward to it! <a href="https://t.co/3rSCMmAOMW">pic.twitter.com/3rSCMmAOMW</a>
— Emine Erdoğan (@EmineErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineErdogan/status/1294684499075366913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I had the pleasure of meeting the world-renowned Indian actor", she says.

Reports claim that Aamir Khan flew to Turkey earlier this month. He is shooting for an upcoming film. The shoot had to be moved to Turkey because of the lockdown in India.

So clearly, it was under these circumstances that the actor decided to pay a visit to Turkey's first lady. However, Neitzens are unhappy with the meeting due to the deepening divide between India and Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan has gone out of his way to offend India. In February, the Turkish president expressed his support to Pakistan's Kashmir claim&nbsp;during an address to the Pakistani parliament. Earlier this month, Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue again&nbsp;while speaking to Pakistan's President Arif Alvi.

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President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Erdogan exchanged Eid-ul-Azha 
greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters including Kashmir and Covid-19 were discussed. Pakistan appreciated President Erdogan’s unequivocal statement on Kashmir before the UNGA.<a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> <a href="https://t.co/rsVzryYRcD">pic.twitter.com/rsVzryYRcD</a>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1289641839184805889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Netizens are asking why did Aamir Khan feel the need to visit the first lady of a country that cannot respect India's sovereignty.

One Twitter user called Aamir Khan a hypocrite.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a> is an epitome of hipocrisy... 
On-screen a true 'Patriot' and off-screen passing comments such as "India is Intolerable" <a href="https://t.co/ybDZsbJR3w">pic.twitter.com/ybDZsbJR3w</a>
— NaamToSunaHiHoga (@palrahul22) <a href="https://twitter.com/palrahul22/status/1295150449486467072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir Khan with the wife of Turkey's President Erdogan. Turkey is doing full Propaganda against India. This is self goal by Aamir Khan. <a href="https://t.co/ghd6xB4Hbx">pic.twitter.com/ghd6xB4Hbx</a>
— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_0mar/status/1295042071531683841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Someone else equated the visit to a self-goal. Netizens have also begun calling for a boycott of Aamir's upcoming movie.

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Boycott lal singh Chaddha by Aamir Khan..
— Amit (@Amit93194005) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amit93194005/status/1295221117246824448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir khan feels unsecure in India. Now,he is feeling safe in Anti-India Turkey. 
Iski movie release per yeh pic yaad rakhna. Humare paise ko humare against use mat honay dena!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Erdogan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Erdogan</a> <a href="https://t.co/A2K7ldKXpz">pic.twitter.com/A2K7ldKXpz</a>
— सोम गोदारा 🇮🇳 (@SomrajTr) <a href="https://twitter.com/SomrajTr/status/1295197722820005893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Someone pointed out that Aamir avoided meeting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was in India.

Why then is he meeting the wife of the Turkish president?

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Aamir Khan who avoided meeting PM of Israel a friend of India,meets Turkish First Lady, at a time when Turkey is openly backing Pakistan and cornering India on Kashmir. 
Reportedly,Aamir sought the meeting. If true,he has made a very loud statement.Get lost From India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a>
— अक्षत (@hawkeye_pirate_) <a href="https://twitter.com/hawkeye_pirate_/status/1295168954835431424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir Khan was not the only one who gave Netanyahu's gala a miss. Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan too did not attend the event.

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy.

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy. The pictures showed Aamir Khan meeting Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey. Emine Erdogan tweeted about the meet. I had the great pleasure of meeting @aamir_khan, the world-renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and director, in Istanbul. I was happy to learn that Aamir decided to wrap up the shooting of his latest movie ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in different parts of Turkey. I look forward to it! pic.twitter.com/3rSCMmAOMW — Emine Erdoğan (@EmineErdogan) August 15, 2020 × "I had the pleasure of meeting the world-renowned Indian actor", she says. Reports claim that Aamir Khan flew to Turkey earlier this month. He is shooting for an upcoming film. The shoot had to be moved to Turkey because of the lockdown in India. So clearly, it was under these circumstances that the actor decided to pay a visit to Turkey's first lady. However, Neitzens are unhappy with the meeting due to the deepening divide between India and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Erdogan has gone out of his way to offend India. In February, the Turkish president expressed his support to Pakistan's Kashmir claim during an address to the Pakistani parliament. Earlier this month, Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue again while speaking to Pakistan's President Arif Alvi. President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Erdogan exchanged Eid-ul-Azha greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters including Kashmir and Covid-19 were discussed. Pakistan appreciated President Erdogan’s unequivocal statement on Kashmir before the UNGA.@RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/rsVzryYRcD — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 1, 2020 × Netizens are asking why did Aamir Khan feel the need to visit the first lady of a country that cannot respect India's sovereignty. One Twitter user called Aamir Khan a hypocrite. #AamirKhan is an epitome of hipocrisy... On-screen a true 'Patriot' and off-screen passing comments such as "India is Intolerable" pic.twitter.com/ybDZsbJR3w — NaamToSunaHiHoga (@palrahul22) August 17, 2020 × Aamir Khan with the wife of Turkey's President Erdogan. Turkey is doing full Propaganda against India. This is self goal by Aamir Khan. pic.twitter.com/ghd6xB4Hbx — Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) August 16, 2020 × Someone else equated the visit to a self-goal. Netizens have also begun calling for a boycott of Aamir's upcoming movie. Boycott lal singh Chaddha by Aamir Khan.. — Amit (@Amit93194005) August 17, 2020 × Aamir khan feels unsecure in India. Now,he is feeling safe in Anti-India Turkey. Iski movie release per yeh pic yaad rakhna. Humare paise ko humare against use mat honay dena!!#AamirKhan #Erdogan pic.twitter.com/A2K7ldKXpz — सोम गोदारा 🇮🇳 (@SomrajTr) August 17, 2020 × Someone pointed out that Aamir avoided meeting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was in India. Why then is he meeting the wife of the Turkish president? Aamir Khan who avoided meeting PM of Israel a friend of India,meets Turkish First Lady, at a time when Turkey is openly backing Pakistan and cornering India on Kashmir. Reportedly,Aamir sought the meeting. If true,he has made a very loud statement.Get lost From India #AamirKhan — अक्षत (@hawkeye_pirate_) August 17, 2020 × Aamir Khan was not the only one who gave Netanyahu's gala a miss. Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan too did not attend the event.

Netizens fume as actor Aamir Khan meets Turkey's first lady Emine Erdogan

Actor Aamir Khan and the Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan found a spot on the list of trends after pictures of their meeting in Turkey went viral - not entirely in a good way.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan meets Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region.

The call came after Ankara said it planned to extend its controversial search by drilling off the southwestern coast of Cyprus from next week.

Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterranean have put it at loggerheads with its uneasy NATO ally Greece and the rest of the EU, with France announcing last week it would bolster its presence in the region in support of Athens.

Brussels has repeatedly called on Ankara to halt energy exploration off Cyprus, arguing that the drilling is illegal because it infringes on the island's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Turkey's latest announcement "regrettably fuels further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean", EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

"This action runs counter and undermines efforts to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to pursue immediate de-escalation, which is the only path towards stability and lasting solutions, as reiterated by EU foreign ministers last Friday," he said.

"I call on the Turkish authorities to end these activities immediately and to engage fully and in good faith in a broad dialogue with the European Union."

The Turkish navy said in a statement issued late Saturday that the drill ship Yavuz, which has been based off Cyprus for the past few months, will explore off the southwestern coast of the island from August 18 to September 15.

Turkey has remained defiant in the face of the protests, saying it has a right to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where regional nations are racing for riches after the discovery of large energy deposits.

"We strongly advise against going to the search area," the Turkish navy warned in its statement.

Last week, Ankara sent the seismic research vessel Oruc Reis, escorted by warships, to an area claimed by Greece, triggering the ire of Athens and the EU.

On Friday, EU foreign ministers voiced solidarity with Greece and called for a de-escalation of the crisis.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that Ankara was ready for dialogue but insisted: "We will not back down in the face of sanctions and threats."

The defence ministry meanwhile published photographs of naval manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, showing warships escorting another seismic research vessel, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa.

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region.

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region. The call came after Ankara said it planned to extend its controversial search by drilling off the southwestern coast of Cyprus from next week. Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterranean have put it at loggerheads with its uneasy NATO ally Greece and the rest of the EU, with France announcing last week it would bolster its presence in the region in support of Athens. Brussels has repeatedly called on Ankara to halt energy exploration off Cyprus, arguing that the drilling is illegal because it infringes on the island's exclusive economic zone. Turkey's latest announcement "regrettably fuels further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean", EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. "This action runs counter and undermines efforts to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to pursue immediate de-escalation, which is the only path towards stability and lasting solutions, as reiterated by EU foreign ministers last Friday," he said. "I call on the Turkish authorities to end these activities immediately and to engage fully and in good faith in a broad dialogue with the European Union." The Turkish navy said in a statement issued late Saturday that the drill ship Yavuz, which has been based off Cyprus for the past few months, will explore off the southwestern coast of the island from August 18 to September 15. Turkey has remained defiant in the face of the protests, saying it has a right to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where regional nations are racing for riches after the discovery of large energy deposits. "We strongly advise against going to the search area," the Turkish navy warned in its statement. Last week, Ankara sent the seismic research vessel Oruc Reis, escorted by warships, to an area claimed by Greece, triggering the ire of Athens and the EU. On Friday, EU foreign ministers voiced solidarity with Greece and called for a de-escalation of the crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that Ankara was ready for dialogue but insisted: "We will not back down in the face of sanctions and threats." The defence ministry meanwhile published photographs of naval manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, showing warships escorting another seismic research vessel, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa.

EU urges Turkey to halt gas hunt in east Mediterranean

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.&nbsp;

The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media.&nbsp;

In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition.

"What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said.&nbsp;

He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process."

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US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." 
 
Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. <a href="https://t.co/06Uc8anfig">pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig</a>
— Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) <a href="https://twitter.com/YusufErim34/status/1294609616609959936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country.

"The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted.

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The analysis of Turkey by <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. 
 
The days of ordering Turkey around are over. 
 
But if you still think you can try, be our guest. 
 
You will pay the price.
— Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikalin1/status/1294874944971714561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price."

Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey".

Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States. &nbsp;

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents. The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media. In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition. "What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said. He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process." US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig — Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) August 15, 2020 × Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country. "The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted. The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price. — Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) August 16, 2020 × "The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price." Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey". Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States.

Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-turkey-to-not-conduct-research-in-greeces-waters-315060">US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters</a>

Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction.

"We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August&nbsp;23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision.

EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents".

They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean.

Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights. European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens. Also read: US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction. "We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August 23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision. EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents". They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean. Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

Turkey 'will not back down' in east Mediterranean standoff, says Erdogan

European Union foreign ministers on Friday&nbsp;took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted&nbsp;in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks.

As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. &nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

"The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election."

Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions.

At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions.&nbsp;While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition.

Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair".

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis.

Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown. At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks. As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions "The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said. Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election." Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions. At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions. While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition. Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair". Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis. Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union takes first step to slap new sanctions on Belarus, debates Turkey crisis

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

Tensions in the eastern Mediterranean have risen sharply this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, in a move Greece decried as illegal.

“We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara without giving details.

The Oruc Reis set out on Monday with its military escort to survey waters between Crete and Cyprus.

In response, President Emmanuel Macron said France would increase its military presence in the region and called on Ankara to stop its exploration work. French and Greek forces held military training exercises off Crete on Thursday.

European Union foreign ministers, who have already imposed sanctions on two Turkish energy executives over Turkey’s operations in the eastern Mediterranean, will discuss the situation on Friday.

Greece’s foreign ministry said Minister Nikos Dendias will brief EU counterparts “about the real facts of the recent days regarding operations in the region” at the emergency meeting.

Erdogan spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel on Thursday. He “reiterated his commitment to defend Turkey’s rights against attempts to disregard them”, Erdogan’s office said of the call with Michel.

Both Turkey and Greece said this week that they were willing to resolve the dispute over their overlapping maritime claims, but vowed to protect their interests and blamed the other side for the stand-off.

“If we act with common sense and reason, we can find a win-win solution that meets everyone’s interests,” Erdogan said earlier on Thursday. “We are not chasing any unnecessary adventures or seeking tensions.”

In apparent reference to France, Erdogan also said Greece was being pushed into taking “wrong steps” in the region by “a country that doesn’t even have a coast in the eastern Mediterranean”.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning. Tensions in the eastern Mediterranean have risen sharply this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, in a move Greece decried as illegal. “We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara without giving details. The Oruc Reis set out on Monday with its military escort to survey waters between Crete and Cyprus. In response, President Emmanuel Macron said France would increase its military presence in the region and called on Ankara to stop its exploration work. French and Greek forces held military training exercises off Crete on Thursday. European Union foreign ministers, who have already imposed sanctions on two Turkish energy executives over Turkey’s operations in the eastern Mediterranean, will discuss the situation on Friday. Greece’s foreign ministry said Minister Nikos Dendias will brief EU counterparts “about the real facts of the recent days regarding operations in the region” at the emergency meeting. Erdogan spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel on Thursday. He “reiterated his commitment to defend Turkey’s rights against attempts to disregard them”, Erdogan’s office said of the call with Michel. Both Turkey and Greece said this week that they were willing to resolve the dispute over their overlapping maritime claims, but vowed to protect their interests and blamed the other side for the stand-off. “If we act with common sense and reason, we can find a win-win solution that meets everyone’s interests,” Erdogan said earlier on Thursday. “We are not chasing any unnecessary adventures or seeking tensions.” In apparent reference to France, Erdogan also said Greece was being pushed into taking “wrong steps” in the region by “a country that doesn’t even have a coast in the eastern Mediterranean”.

Erdogan says any attack on Turkish ship in Mediterranean dispute will exact 'high price'

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a "high price" and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

Greece-Turkey tensions escalate as Turkish ships enter disputed area

Greece has put its armed forces on alert after Turkey sent a survey ship to a disputed area of the Mediterranean sea. Watch report.

Greece-Turkey tensions: 'Turkish provocation won't go unanswered', says Greece

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

French Rafale jets are due to arrive in Crete after finishing military exercise in Cyprus. Earlier, the Tonnerre (Thunder) helicopter along with La Fayette frigate had taken part in a military exercise with Greek forces.

The relations between France and Turkey have deteriorated ever since Paris&nbsp;accused Ankara of violating the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus. According to reports, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called up President Macron to discuss the situation in the region on Wednesday.

After the call, Mitsotakis in a tweet said: "Emmanuel Macron is a true friend of Greece and a fervent defender of European values and international law." Mitsotakis had earlier said that the "risk of an accident lurks when so many military assets are gathered in such a contained area."

Greece and Turkey have been squabbling over hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean as both countries lay claim to the area. France had earlier criticised "aggressive" action by Turkish ships against a French vessel participating in a NATO mission in the Mediterranean.

Amid the undercurrent of tension in the area, Turkey had sent the research ship Oruc Reis along with naval ships off the Greek island of Kastellorizo promoting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to ask Turkey to remove the ship even as deployed warships to monitor the vessel.

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. French Rafale jets are due to arrive in Crete after finishing military exercise in Cyprus. Earlier, the Tonnerre (Thunder) helicopter along with La Fayette frigate had taken part in a military exercise with Greek forces. The relations between France and Turkey have deteriorated ever since Paris accused Ankara of violating the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus. According to reports, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called up President Macron to discuss the situation in the region on Wednesday. After the call, Mitsotakis in a tweet said: "Emmanuel Macron is a true friend of Greece and a fervent defender of European values and international law." Mitsotakis had earlier said that the "risk of an accident lurks when so many military assets are gathered in such a contained area." Greece and Turkey have been squabbling over hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean as both countries lay claim to the area. France had earlier criticised "aggressive" action by Turkish ships against a French vessel participating in a NATO mission in the Mediterranean. Amid the undercurrent of tension in the area, Turkey had sent the research ship Oruc Reis along with naval ships off the Greek island of Kastellorizo promoting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to ask Turkey to remove the ship even as deployed warships to monitor the vessel.

France, Greece conduct naval exercise off Crete amid tensions with Turkey

Turkey has vowed to press ahead with efforts to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean Sea despite an escalating dispute with Greece over drilling rights.

Turkey-Greece tensions escalate over Turkish Mediterranean drilling plans

Greece will be requesting an emergency meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council, the prime minister’s office announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Tension high between Turkey, Greece in eastern Mediterranean

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations.

But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-announces-resuming-eastern-mediterranean-energy-search-318877">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search</a>

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday.

Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said.

The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23.

The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean.

Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece. The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations. But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue. Also read| Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday. Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said. The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23. The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter. Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus. Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean. Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey's new seismic survey in Mediterranean set to revive Greek tensions

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast.

"We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-137-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared</a>

Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port.

Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added.

"We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-emergency-aid-lands-in-lebanon-as-world-offers-support-318493">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support</a>

The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives.

Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team.

The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis.

Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran.

"The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast. "We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon. Also read| Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port. Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added. "We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said. Also read| Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives. Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team. The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis. Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran. "The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League says ready to mobilise Arab efforts to help Lebanon; Turkey ready to rebuild port

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. &nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India". Also read | India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India slams Turkey for making 'biased' statement on Kashmir

A report has claimed that Turkey is luring Indian students for Pakistani proxies - by offering them lavish scholarships. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Indian agencies are raising red flags over Turkish funding for education in India.

Gravitas: Is Turkey luring Indian students for Pak proxies?

Turkish&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

"We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque.&nbsp;

Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany.&nbsp;"They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkish-women-rally-against-domestic-violence-318701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves.

Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions.

Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said.&nbsp;

Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises. "We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque. Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany. "They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said. The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves. Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions. Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said. Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend.

Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey.

In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram.

Hashtag challenge accepted became a trending topic. In Istanbul, hundreds of protesters have stormed the streets.

Their equivocal cry is -- women will not forgive domestic violence. And, ideally -- neither should the Turkish government. But, just weeks after the gruesome murder of Gultekin.

The government's apathy is out in the open. Instead of working towards stricter laws to stop violence against women. Erdogan's government is planning to pull out of a European treaty designed to protect women.

"The istanbul convention is a safety to ensure that women do not suffer violence, abuse and rape. For this reason, we refuse to allow this convention to be attacked. We will continue to be on the streets."

Turkey wants to quit the accord under pressure from conservative forces. There are critics in religious bodies and politics, who believe the international charter is too liberal.

They say -- the accord guarantees more freedom to women than necessary. And, undermines traditional family values.

"They are attacking the rights that women have gained through their struggles. But we are in the streets, in the squares to defend our rights. We will never give up, our struggle will continue as it is today."

Ironically, in 2011, the council of Europe accord was signed in Istanbul. But, Turkey has failed to uphold its pledge. To eliminate domestic violence and promote equality.

Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide.

But, activists do, last year alone, Turkey saw 474 femicides. Double the number recorded in 2011 -- the year in which the accord was signed.

The World Health Organisation data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey face domestic violence. Compared to about 25 per cent in Europe. The pandemic has made it worse.

For many women -- the threat is the worst where they should be safest. In their own homes.

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend. Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey. In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram.

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend. Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey. In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram. Hashtag challenge accepted became a trending topic. In Istanbul, hundreds of protesters have stormed the streets. Their equivocal cry is -- women will not forgive domestic violence. And, ideally -- neither should the Turkish government. But, just weeks after the gruesome murder of Gultekin. The government's apathy is out in the open. Instead of working towards stricter laws to stop violence against women. Erdogan's government is planning to pull out of a European treaty designed to protect women. "The istanbul convention is a safety to ensure that women do not suffer violence, abuse and rape. For this reason, we refuse to allow this convention to be attacked. We will continue to be on the streets." Turkey wants to quit the accord under pressure from conservative forces. There are critics in religious bodies and politics, who believe the international charter is too liberal. They say -- the accord guarantees more freedom to women than necessary. And, undermines traditional family values. "They are attacking the rights that women have gained through their struggles. But we are in the streets, in the squares to defend our rights. We will never give up, our struggle will continue as it is today." Ironically, in 2011, the council of Europe accord was signed in Istanbul. But, Turkey has failed to uphold its pledge. To eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. But, activists do, last year alone, Turkey saw 474 femicides. Double the number recorded in 2011 -- the year in which the accord was signed. The World Health Organisation data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey face domestic violence. Compared to about 25 per cent in Europe. The pandemic has made it worse. For many women -- the threat is the worst where they should be safest. In their own homes.

Turkey to pull out from European treaty designed to protect women from femicide

Women in various cities of Turkey have been pouring on the streets against gender-based violence. They feel that the ruling party will pour out an international court designed to protect women. The agreement is known as the "Instanbul Convention" is a legally binding state of guidelines. Watch report.

Fineprint: Erdogan's kin split over treaty, Treaty protects women from violence

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it.

Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family.

They are funding educational institutes and offering “lucrative scholarships” to lure Indians.

Indian intelligence agencies have now flagged this up because the money is going towards targets of Pakistani proxies.

A report claims that turkey is running scholarships and exchange programs for Indian Kashmiri and Muslim students. They are facilitated by state-sponsored NGOs.

And once the students land in turkey, they are approached by Pakistani proxies.

Reportedly, some individuals and groups have been identified.

Some of them have links with Pakistan’s ISI. They have been brought in by entities in Turkey. People who are believed to have strong links to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In this entire affair --- the name of one outfit stands out. The Turkey youth foundation or T.U.G.V.A.

It's run by the Turkish president’s son Bilal. Allegedly, the T.U.G.V.A. has developed strong links in India. It has established contact with Islamic outfits.

Like the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The student Islamic organisation.

Turkey has been using education to make deep in-roads around the world. As of last year -- one Turkish government entity was educating 30,000 students in 34 countries.

It is the Maarif Foundation, the international education juggernaut of Turkey. It's completely funded by the government.

So far, the Maarif Foundation is active in 43 countries and is catering to almost 40,000 students.

Some claim, that schools run by Maarif Foundation have a radical Islamist curriculum.

That promotes the radicalization of youth and extremism which is why Germany is wary of Turkey’s moves.

In January, German lawmakers had raised red-flags over Turkey’s decision to open three schools in Germany.

These schools are supposed to come up in Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt which are three major German cities.

With large populations of Turkish citizens --- as well as Germans of Turkish descent.

Why are german lawmakers worried?

One lawmaker believes Turkish schools are “driving the islamization of German education system”.

That is one side of the political spectrum.

Another side --- calls out Erdogan for undermining democratic values in Turkey.

A lawmaker of the left party said: “Erdogan polarizes and divides our society. His schools are poisonous for integration and democracy”.

Here is how Germany is dealing with Turkish schools. Indian policymakers should listen carefully to this.

Earlier this year, they began formulating a legal framework. That could dictate the rules for such schools.

France went one step ahead. Last year, Erdogan wanted to open Turkish schools in France. The move was denounced by the Macron government.

They saw it as an attempt to bolster influence and hard-line Islam among the Turkish population in France.

According to a report, Erdogan’s plans are now on hold.

As India gets ready to welcome foreign universities --- it must step up its defences against ideological education by Turkey and China.

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it. Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family.

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it. Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family. They are funding educational institutes and offering “lucrative scholarships” to lure Indians. Indian intelligence agencies have now flagged this up because the money is going towards targets of Pakistani proxies. A report claims that turkey is running scholarships and exchange programs for Indian Kashmiri and Muslim students. They are facilitated by state-sponsored NGOs. And once the students land in turkey, they are approached by Pakistani proxies. Reportedly, some individuals and groups have been identified. Some of them have links with Pakistan’s ISI. They have been brought in by entities in Turkey. People who are believed to have strong links to Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In this entire affair --- the name of one outfit stands out. The Turkey youth foundation or T.U.G.V.A. It's run by the Turkish president’s son Bilal. Allegedly, the T.U.G.V.A. has developed strong links in India. It has established contact with Islamic outfits. Like the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The student Islamic organisation. Turkey has been using education to make deep in-roads around the world. As of last year -- one Turkish government entity was educating 30,000 students in 34 countries. It is the Maarif Foundation, the international education juggernaut of Turkey. It's completely funded by the government. So far, the Maarif Foundation is active in 43 countries and is catering to almost 40,000 students. Some claim, that schools run by Maarif Foundation have a radical Islamist curriculum. That promotes the radicalization of youth and extremism which is why Germany is wary of Turkey’s moves. In January, German lawmakers had raised red-flags over Turkey’s decision to open three schools in Germany. These schools are supposed to come up in Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt which are three major German cities. With large populations of Turkish citizens --- as well as Germans of Turkish descent. Why are german lawmakers worried? One lawmaker believes Turkish schools are “driving the islamization of German education system”. That is one side of the political spectrum. Another side --- calls out Erdogan for undermining democratic values in Turkey. A lawmaker of the left party said: “Erdogan polarizes and divides our society. His schools are poisonous for integration and democracy”. Here is how Germany is dealing with Turkish schools. Indian policymakers should listen carefully to this. Earlier this year, they began formulating a legal framework. That could dictate the rules for such schools. France went one step ahead. Last year, Erdogan wanted to open Turkish schools in France. The move was denounced by the Macron government. They saw it as an attempt to bolster influence and hard-line Islam among the Turkish population in France. According to a report, Erdogan’s plans are now on hold. As India gets ready to welcome foreign universities --- it must step up its defences against ideological education by Turkey and China.

What are China and Turkey doing in Indian campuses?

Major General S B Asthana (Retd) sheds light on why Turkish president is seeking a leadership of the Muslim world, and what it implies for the rest of the world.

Video Opinion: Turkish leadership and the free world

Turkey&nbsp;adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.

The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns.

The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-calls-on-turkey-to-probe-alleged-serious-abuses-by-police-316735" hreflang="en">Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police</a>

Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either.

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Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a>

They must also store local users' information in&nbsp;Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access.

An estimated 90 per cent&nbsp;of major media in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government.

Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University.

"This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried&nbsp;or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;are already afraid to speak out."

Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data.

Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge".

"Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate.

Turkey&nbsp;was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter.

Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept.&nbsp;Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic.

The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter.&nbsp;In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well.

Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.

Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.

Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media. The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns. The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past. Also read: Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either. × Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties. Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill They must also store local users' information in Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access. An estimated 90 per cent of major media in Turkey comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government. Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University. "This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in Turkey are already afraid to speak out." Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data. Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge". "Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate. Turkey was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter. Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept. Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic. The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter. In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well. Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.

Turkey tightens grip on social media with new law to silence dissent

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that allows the Erdogan government to reduce internet bandwidth and cut access to Twitter Facebook, and Youtube, if they do not abide by censorship orders.

Gravitas: Erdogan pushes law to censor social media in Turkey

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media.

According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey. These representatives have to comply with Turkish court orders over the removal of certain content or face heavy fines.

The law would affect social networks with more than a million unique visits every day, and proposes servers with Turkish users' data must be stored in Turkey.

The law passed after debates beginning on Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to tighten government control over social media earlier this month after he said "dark-hearted" users insulted Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and his wife Esra, the president's daughter, following the birth of their fourth child.

To this end, critics&nbsp;are worried over what they call the erosion of freedom of expression in Turkey, with thousands of people subject to criminal proceedings for "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on social media.

Last month, Erdogan met with a spate of negative comments during a video-conference with young people.&nbsp;

The Turkish presidency then turned off comments but there were 388,000 clicks on the "thumbs down" button, compared with 114,000 on the "thumbs up" button.

Erdogan is not a fan of social media despite a large following on different platforms, including Twitter. He once compared the media platforms to a "murderer's knife" and previously promised to "eradicate" Twitter.

His government previously blocked Twitter and YouTube in 2014 after audio recordings were posted implicating the president, then prime minister, and his inner circle in an alleged corruption scandal.

A Turkish court in January lifted a ban on the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia after almost three years.

According to Twitter's latest "transparency report" for the first half of 2019, Turkey ranked number one for seeking content removal with more than 6,000 requests.

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media. According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey.

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media. According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey. These representatives have to comply with Turkish court orders over the removal of certain content or face heavy fines. The law would affect social networks with more than a million unique visits every day, and proposes servers with Turkish users' data must be stored in Turkey. The law passed after debates beginning on Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to tighten government control over social media earlier this month after he said "dark-hearted" users insulted Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and his wife Esra, the president's daughter, following the birth of their fourth child. To this end, critics are worried over what they call the erosion of freedom of expression in Turkey, with thousands of people subject to criminal proceedings for "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on social media. Last month, Erdogan met with a spate of negative comments during a video-conference with young people. The Turkish presidency then turned off comments but there were 388,000 clicks on the "thumbs down" button, compared with 114,000 on the "thumbs up" button. Erdogan is not a fan of social media despite a large following on different platforms, including Twitter. He once compared the media platforms to a "murderer's knife" and previously promised to "eradicate" Twitter. His government previously blocked Twitter and YouTube in 2014 after audio recordings were posted implicating the president, then prime minister, and his inner circle in an alleged corruption scandal. A Turkish court in January lifted a ban on the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia after almost three years. According to Twitter's latest "transparency report" for the first half of 2019, Turkey ranked number one for seeking content removal with more than 6,000 requests.

Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill

Turkey’s parliament approved a law early on July 29 that gives authorities greater power to regulate social media despite concerns of growing censorship. Watch report.

Govt to regulate social media in Turkey: Fears on curbs on freedom of speech

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated."

In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a>

Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols.&nbsp;

The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-countries-where-environmental-activism-could-get-you-killed-316724" hreflang="en">Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed</a>

In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said.&nbsp;

In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims.

"Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch.

The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul. "The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated." In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia". Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols. The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report. Also see: Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said. In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts. Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims. "Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police

Mosul train station wears a deserted look as it was destroyed by ISIS in 2014. Rebuilding efforts have been halted due to COVID-19. Watch report.

Your Story: Mosul train station destroyed by ISIS in 2014 still lies in ruins

A new report has claimed that Turkey is deporting Uighur Muslims back to China via a third country. WION spoke to Uighur activist Arslan Hidayat in Istanbul - who shared details about the deportation of Uighurs from Turkey.

Gravitas: Erdogan's Islamic Hypocrisy, Turkey deports Uighurs back to China via third country

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