Bozdağ

Two suspects blew themselves up in a car early on Oct. 8 after the police called on them to surrender on the outskirts of Ankara, Ankara Gov. Ercan Topaca has told the press. Both suspects died in the incident, the governor said. No one else was killed or hurt.

Pennsylvania-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, believed to have orchestrated Turkey's failed July 15 coup attempt, is planning to flee from the U.S. in order to avoid being extradited, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has claimed.

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has said members of the Gülen movement, which was blamed for the July 15 failed seizure of government, were engaging in "dark propaganda," as he commented on the rumors about a potential second coup attempt.

Around 32,000 people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the failed coup of July 15, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has announced, while hinting at the possibility that new courtrooms might be built in some places based on necessity.

Turkey may have to build new courthouses to cope with thousands of prosecutions following the failed July 15 coup attempt, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ said on Sept. 28, as the number of arrests reached 32,000. 

The Turkish Justice Ministry has introduced heavier penalties for assaults causing injuries, after a controversial court decision to release an assailant caused an uproar in the country. Those who commit intentional offences against the physical integrity of another person will be able to be arrested with the ministry's draft law, Anadolu Agency reported on Sept. 19. 

Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is to be allowed a family visit during the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha, a security official told state-run Anadolu Agency on Sept. 10.      

Öcalan will be visited by his brother Mehmet, the official said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

AKP Deputy Chairman Bekir Bozdağ has said his party will object the Supreme Election Board (YSK) decision to ban the use of “Bismillah” (in the name of God) in the AKP’s campaign jingle.

There are very grave claims suggesting that the Telecommunications Directorate (TİB) has handed over information to inappropriate individuals or groups, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has said.

The government has indicated that a reconstruction or a purge at the TİB was imminent.

The head of Europe's top human rights watchdog is set to visit Turkey to discuss the recent detentions of senior journalists thought to be linked to the movement of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen.

Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland will visit to Turkey on Jan. 6-7, according to his spokesperson.