Devlet Bahçeli, leader of government ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), called for the establishment of a “World Peace Council at a time when the possibility of a third world war is voiced strongly.”

Addressing the parliamentary group meeting of his party on Tuesday in Ankara, the veteran politician said it should be led by the U.N. secretary-general and include Türkiye, the United States, Russia, China and the European Union. “It is an obligation for humanity,” he said. He voiced the same call last week.

Bahçeli’s call aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s oft-repeated motto “the world is bigger than five,” which refers to an expected change in the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Like Erdoğan, Bahçeli advocates for a major change in the world order where major powers engage in actions affecting third countries while the international bodies are accused of inaction.

“It is inevitable to demonstrate a new global will based on justice and balance, to replace a hypocritical understanding of the order where peace is only a word while wars are a reality. Türkiye is ready to contribute to this mission stemming from its historic responsibility,” he said, quoting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye: “Peace at home, peace in the world.”

The MHP leader’s speech mostly concentrated on the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, and he had nothing but harsh words against Israel, which he branded as “the spoiled child of the United States.”

Stating that the current global landscape is a multilayered web of calculations where diplomacy is interwoven with military operations, energy security with border safety, and international law with a racist and sectarian mindset, Bahçeli recalled the attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. On talks for a cease-fire, he said it was not a comprehensive reconciliation but rather a “temporary pause that allows the parties to review their positions at a point where they have failed to achieve their strategic and fundamental goals.”

“Direct U.S.-Iran negotiations have ended without reaching any agreement. Following this struggle, which continues to exert its full weight not only on the ground but also on diplomatic grounds, we see that there is no finished crisis, but only an “arm-wrestling” match that has changed form. The inconclusive talks in Islamabad have further strengthened the possibility of regional conflicts evolving into global destruction. Just as uncontrolled and unchecked power competition and the ambition for armament cause bombs to explode in the Middle East today, they will pave the way for even greater destruction in the heart of Europe, the junctions of Asia and the fragile basins of Africa tomorrow,” he underlined.

He stated that humanity, already shaken by the global COVID-19 pandemic, is being relentlessly tossed about by the Ukraine-Russia war, the disrupted trade security in the Red Sea and the Black Sea, the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, the destruction in Lebanon, and the crises breaking out in Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.

On Lebanon, Bahçeli said that Israel’s attacks there demonstrated that Zionists were not willing to leave Lebanon. “Israel’s attacks violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should immediately stop,” he said. Bahçeli noted that Israel’s attacks on the regional countries increased, and it was the real and only culprit of the ongoing conflicts. “The international order’s real problem is failure to exert pressure on Israel. World’s double standards are revealed in light of tolerance for spoiled child of the United States,” he stressed.

Terror-free Türkiye

Bahçeli reasoned that developments in the region led the public to understand their insistence and commitment to the terror-free Türkiye initiative. Bahçeli launched the initiative in 2024 for disarmament of the PKK terrorist group, which has members in Iraq, Syria and Iran. The PKK complied with the initiative and is currently in a disarmament process, monitored by the Turkish intelligence.

In his remarks on Tuesday, Bahçeli said that beyond eliminating terrorism, the initiative would revive regions where fears of terrorism and insecurity had dominated for years. “It is no longer a dream that the eastern, southeastern Anatolia, border areas, villages, highlands and plains will join mobilization for local production and agriculture after they free themselves of the shackles of terrorism,” he said.

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Refat Chubarov, head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, said a delegation led by Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Abdulcemil Kırımoğlu will visit Türkiye from April 17-19 to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as Ankara remains a key hub for the Crimean Tatar diaspora.

Speaking to reporters at the Embassy of Ukraine in Ankara on Tuesday, Chubarov said he arrived in Türkiye ahead of the delegation to hold preliminary meetings with Turkish officials and representatives of Crimean Tatar associations.

During his visit to Ankara, Chubarov is expected to meet senior figures including Fuat Oktay, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Kürşat Zorlu. He will also visit the Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) to discuss cultural and linguistic cooperation projects.

Chubarov said the delegation’s top priority is the situation of political prisoners in Crimea, noting that they will seek Türkiye’s support in efforts to secure their release. He added that strengthening ties with the large Crimean Tatar diaspora in Türkiye remains an important objective.

Highlighting the broader implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, Chubarov said a just peace could lead to major shifts in the international system.

He echoed remarks by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the need for reform in global governance, citing criticism that international institutions, including the United Nations, have failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

He also pointed to the potential for closer cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine in regional security and postwar reconstruction efforts.

On recent developments in Ukraine, Chubarov welcomed a decree authorizing steps toward formally recognizing the Crimean Tatar Mejlis as the official representative body of the Crimean Tatar people.

He also stressed that the Mejlis should not be viewed as a civil society organization but as a legitimate political representative institution.

Chubarov said consultations between Ukrainian authorities and the Mejlis would continue, emphasizing that issues concerning Crimea and Crimean Tatars should not be discussed without their direct representation in negotiations.

He also noted that of the 351 political prisoners detained in Crimea since its annexation by Russia in 2014, 180 are Crimean Tatars, describing the situation as part of a broader effort to instill fear and suppress the community.

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Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, former chair of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), was sentenced to 11 months and 20 days in prison by a court in the southern city of Mersin on Tuesday, on charges of insulting the president. The sentence was suspended and subject to appeal.

The lawsuit goes back to 2013, when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was serving as prime minister and Kılıçdaroğlu was in the third year of his 13-year tenure in Türkiye’s oldest party. The opposition leader was accused of insulting Erdoğan during a rally in Mersin. Kılıçdaroğlu did not attend Tuesday’s hearing while his lawyer participated in the hearing via videolink. The judge ruled for a suspended sentence on charges of insulting a public official. Kılıçdaroğlu’s lawyer will take the verdict to a higher court of appeal, which may overturn it.

The veteran politician lost to Erdoğan in a run-off in the 2023 presidential election. He was later replaced as party leader by Özgür Özel, who is now accused of buying votes in the November 2023 intra-party election, where he defeated Kılıçdaroğlu.

Kılıçdaroğlu is still seen as harboring ambitions to return to the CHP leadership. Media outlets recently reported that he was in talks with people still loyal to him in the party to take over the leadership. A hearing in May over vote-buying allegations may conclude with a verdict of “absolute nullification” of the Özel administration. This, in turn, will require the appointment of a trustee to the party leadership. Kılıçdaroğlu has earlier signalled that he was ready to be a trustee.

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Justice Minister Akın Gürlek’s recent remarks on proposed social media regulations have sparked new debates. Experts underline that the suggested system could have a deterrent effect against manipulation through disinformation, reputational attacks, and the use of fake and bot accounts.

“Gürlek’s statement in early April 2026 signals a transformative shift in balancing anonymity and accountability in the digital world,” Ali Murat Kırık, professor at Marmara University and the head of Visual Communication Design department, told to Daily Sabah.

“The proposed system aims to curb manipulation carried out through disinformation, reputational attacks, and fake accounts (bots).”

Speaking at a public program on April 3, 2026, Gürlek announced plans to end anonymity on social media, saying users will be required to log in with their national identification numbers under a forthcoming legal framework.

He said negotiations with social media platforms had concluded with mutual agreement, paving the way for a system that would mandate identity verification for all users in Türkiye.

Under the proposed regulation, social media accounts would be tied to individuals’ official identities, making users legally accountable for their online activity.

“If a person opens an account on social media and commits a crime, there must be consequences,” Gürlek said. “We want social media to have rules and a legal framework. If someone opens an account, they must bear responsibility for it.”

The minister stressed that the measure aims to strengthen the fight against cybercrime, curb disinformation and establish legal responsibility in digital spaces.

Kırık also asserted that the system appears technically feasible, particularly in light of reports that authorities have reached an agreement with social media platforms.

He said the model could function through API integration, allowing platforms to connect with centralized identity verification systems such as Türkiye’s e-Government infrastructure. During account registration, users would verify their identity using national ID numbers along with mobile phone authentication.

“This would establish a direct link between digital accounts and real individuals,” he noted.

While announcing the new social media reform Gürlek also added that anonymous or fake accounts often distort events and contribute to what he described as “trial by social media,” where individuals are judged and condemned online without due process.

“If someone insults others or carries out a smear campaign online, they must face the consequences.”

Gürlek noted that the regulation is expected to be formalized as part of Türkiye’s upcoming 12th Judicial Reform Package, which would provide the legal basis for requiring verified identities on social media platforms.

Kırık also argued that the platform compliance is another critical dimension of the proposal, pointing to a shift in the stance of major global companies such as such as X and Meta, which previously resisted similar regulatory demands, now appear more open to cooperation.

According to him, this change is largely driven by Türkiye’s recent legal framework, which requires social media companies to maintain local representation and comply with national regulations, increasing pressure on platforms to align with domestic rules.

On the other hand, Mert H. Akgün, a researcher in law and human rights at the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), asserted that the misuse of anonymity on social media has become a growing concern, particularly through fake accounts used to shape public opinion or influence political and social developments.

“In some cases, these practices can even undermine individual safety and public order. In that sense, efforts to extend the rule of law and reinforce cyber sovereignty into the digital sphere can be seen as both reasonable and necessary,” he said.

Ensuring that legal norms are effectively applied on social media is essential to maintaining the integrity of the legal order, according to Akgün. “Anonymity should not function as a shield from legal accountability.”

The plan outlines a three-month transition period, with the regulation to be implemented gradually rather than all at once.

Under the proposal, existing users would be required to verify their accounts by linking them to their real identities through secure systems such as Türkiye’s e-Government platform or similar verification tools.

At the end of the transition period, accounts that fail to complete identity verification including those identified as fake or automated would be permanently removed by the platforms.

According to Akgün, while steps such as identity verification may strengthen accountability and security, they must be designed in a way that does not undermine the open and dynamic nature of online public discourse.

“Balancing freedom of expression with the protection of other fundamental rights and public security remains a delicate challenge.”

The regulation also introduces an age requirement, setting a minimum of 15 years to access social media platforms. While children under 15 would be restricted from opening accounts, additional biometric limitations and filtering systems are expected to be applied to users under 18.

Combatting Disinformation

Moreover, Türkiye has been actively working to counter disinformation as it poses a great threat against the peace in public. The Disinformation Combat Center (DMM) was established to address the growing global challenge of misinformation and focus on debunking false claims related to national security, public safety and diplomatic affairs.

“The system could have a strong deterrent effect in combatting disinformation,” Kırık asserted. Reminding that when users know their online activity is directly linked to their real identities and legal responsibilities, they are more likely to act with caution.

“This could lead to a noticeable decrease in the spread of false information and unlawful content.”

Burhanettin Duran, the head of the Directorate of Communications, previously said that the state must play a regulatory and supervisory role by establishing a strong legal framework, while families should raise awareness for themselves and their children. Digital platforms, he added, must assume greater responsibility for content moderation and algorithmic transparency.

“Digital platforms do not only create personal addictions,” Duran said. “They produce consequences that destroy families, weaken social relationships and, in some cases, cost individuals their lives. We cannot abandon the digital world, but we must manage it. Control has to remain in our hands.”

Meanwhile, Akgün stated that the measure could provide meaningful support in the fight against disinformation, but caution that it is not a standalone solution, saying that the problem extends beyond anonymous individuals, pointing to more complex dynamics such as coordinated networks, automated bot systems, engagement-driven platform business models and algorithmic amplification.

“Introducing real-name requirements may reduce certain types of fake accounts, but it does not automatically dismantle the broader ecosystem through which disinformation operates, Akgün agrued, “For that reason, combating disinformation requires an integrated and multi-layered approach.”

He indicated that rather than concentrating exclusively on monitoring users, priority should be given to placing platforms themselves under effective legal oversight.

“Mechanisms such as enhanced transparency obligations, independent oversight structures, and a graduated system of sanctions can create more sustainable and systemic solutions to the problem of disinformation.”

Turkish authorities have detained 525 suspects in nationwide operations targeting the Daesh terrorist group, the Interior Ministry announced Monday.

The raids were carried out across 56 provinces including Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Manisa, Mersin in coordination with the police counterterrorism units, intelligence authorities, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and public prosecutors, the ministry said in a statement.

Among those detained were individuals with outstanding arrest warrants, as well as suspects accused of previous involvement in Daesh activities, providing financial support to the group and maintaining links with foreign terrorist members, authorities said.

Officials said 88 of the suspects, identified as foreign terrorist fighters, were transferred to repatriation centers for deportation procedures.

The operations, conducted simultaneously by provincial counterterrorism units, resulted in the seizure of weapons, ammunition, financial assets, as well as organizational documents and digital materials, according to the statement.

Last week, a shooting incident near the former Israeli Consulate building in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district triggered a large-scale security response after armed assailants opened fire near a police point at the Yapı Kredi Plaza complex.

Police units engaged the attackers in a gunbattle, during which the suspects were neutralized and two officers were lightly injured.

Turkish media reports said the gunman who was killed was a 32-year-old man linked to Daesh.

Türkiye considers the Daesh terrorist group one of the biggest threats to the country’s security and peace, as the group faces nationwide raids, and was one of the first countries to declare it a terrorist group in 2013.

Officials said counterterrorism operations targeting Daesh networks and financing structures will continue across the country.

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Permission has been granted for a formal investigation into allegations against Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş to determine whether municipal resources were used during election rallies, according to statements from the Interior Ministry and the municipality.

The authorization, issued roughly one year after prosecutors first requested it, also covers eight municipal employees. The request had been submitted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Feb. 21, 2025, concerning claims that vehicles, equipment and personnel belonging to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) were used during campaign events held in the provinces of Karabük and Çankırı.

Following an evaluation by civil inspectors affiliated with the Interior Ministry, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi approved the investigation. In the written decision, inspectors stated that the use of municipal vehicles, broadcasting equipment and staff at a rally attended by Yavaş in Çankırı “could not reasonably be expected to have occurred without the knowledge of the mayor,” even though no direct instruction or order was identified.

Those included in the investigation alongside Yavaş are several former municipal officials and staff members from departments such as cultural affairs, public works and technical services.

In a written statement, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality rejected the allegations, emphasizing that the decision itself acknowledged there was no evidence indicating that Yavaş had issued instructions or directives regarding the use of public resources. The municipality argued that attributing responsibility based solely on the assumption that the events could not have taken place without his knowledge was insufficient.

The municipality further described the investigation authorization as a “strain on legal principles,” alleging it amounted to an attempt to pressure and discredit Yavaş. Officials said they would formally object to the decision and provide additional details to the public in a forthcoming press briefing.

The case is expected to proceed following the completion of procedural steps and potential appeals.

Yavaş, who was once touted as the future vice president of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), also faces charges over astronomical spending on public concerts, as details of the investigation emerge.

According to findings in the investigation file, 32 concerts organized by the Yavaş administration between 2021 and 2024 resulted in a total public loss of TL 154,453,000 ($3.47 million).

Tenders allegedly tailored to specific parties under justifications such as “single source,” “special authorization” and “direct procurement” were recorded as one of the largest organization-related scandals in municipal history. The messages between H.A.B. and organizers suggest that a kind of “exchange” was set up for concerts that had not yet even gone to tender.

The expert report states that company owners sending price lists to municipal bureaucrats for projects that had not yet been approved constitutes clear evidence of bid rigging.

The Ankara mayor was already criticized in the past for excessive spending during Republic Day celebrations on Oct. 29, 2024, as media outlets reported that the municipality paid TL 69 million for a concert by a popular singer.

Recently, prosecutors have been carrying out multiple corruption investigations against the main opposition CHP and its municipal administrations across Türkiye.

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