Local news: Controversies

Corruption seems to be rampant while local government is launching attempt after attempt aimed to control the situation. On Feb 11, 166 judges and prosecutors were reassigned posts to address concerns of corruption.

Read more:  More judges and prosecutors reshuffled in fresh purge

Two days later, the Turkish government shuffled police chiefs and deputy heads among 27 provinces in a wave of purge that also included sacking senior officers.

Read more: Fresh purge within Turkish police hits 27 province chiefs, senior intel officers

  

Amid growing domestic unrest and tension, Turkey’s government is responding with tighter internet censorship and control. A Feb 5 story on USA Today reported the Parliament’s voting of a measure to empower authorities to “censor the internet at will”. 

Read more: Turkey cracking down on Internet usage

Within the political party there also seem to be conflicts that sometimes turn deadly. On Feb 12, a member of the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) was publicly gunned down in front of a local Istanbul election office. The victim was a candidate running for local district council. 

Read more: Ruling AKP member gunned down in front of Istanbul election office