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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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