Sunday, September 20 News Digest

✧ Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that a new regulation banning the use of the burqa and niqab in schools, introducing a legal cap on the number of foreign students in classrooms, and making it mandatory for the families of students with integration problems to learn Italian, will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. Gaining momentum with the competition among right-wing parties ahead of the upcoming general elections, this integration step will make the existing laws restricting clothing described as "making identification difficult" more specific in the field of education. On the other hand, similar bans on clothing that completely covers the face are already implemented in public spaces or certain institutions in many European countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria.

✧ French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he welcomed the agreement reached between the US and Denmark regarding the "permanent security control" of Greenland. Stating that the agreement reduces tension in the region and reinforces Denmark's sovereignty, Macron emphasized that joint exercises within the scope of NATO and cooperation, especially in the field of critical minerals, will continue. Although US President Donald Trump's previous statements about securing control of the island due to its strategic importance had caused a crisis across the Washington, Copenhagen, and Brussels line; it was stated that the new agreement addresses the US's security concerns and will be beneficial for the people of Greenland.

✧ The Pentagon informed Congress that the cost of the war the US is waging with Iran has reached $45.1 billion as of September 3. This figure, largely consisting of ammunition and fuel expenditures, does not fully reflect the total burden the war has placed on the American budget, as it excludes the repair of damaged bases and indirect operational costs. According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) data, if the conflicts prolong, an additional cost of between $2 billion and $3 billion is projected to be added to this bill every month. Furthermore, this increasingly heavy military bill is expected to deepen the pressure on the country's economy by driving up inflation in the US in the first quarter of 2027.

✧ An 18-year-old motorcycle rider who kicked and damaged a taxi driver's vehicle following a traffic dispute in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, was caught as a result of a license plate investigation by police teams. Following his procedures at the police station, detained suspect A.E.Ç. was arrested by the court to which he was referred on charges of "intentional injury," "threat," "insult," and "property damage."

✧ Japan-based technology company GMO Internet Group has developed the world's first "robot ambulance" to intervene in the field when humanoid robots malfunction. The vehicle, which will go into service this month and is staffed by a trained engineer, will transport robots that cannot be repaired on-site to a maintenance center and temporarily allocate new ones to take their place. This service, a pioneering step for the infrastructure needs of rapidly developing robotic technologies, is considered an important part of Japan's goal to secure a 30 percent share of the giant global market, which is expected to reach $370 billion by 2040.

✧ The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that an expert Turkish delegation visited the Coningsby Air Base in the UK on September 15-17, 2026, as part of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet procurement project. The delegation, consisting of personnel from the Air Force Command Aircraft Maintenance Working Group and the General Directorate of Military Factories, conducted technical inspections at the maintenance facilities belonging to the UK Royal Air Force. The Ministry emphasized that this visit is a significant step for planning maintenance and sustainment processes, technical infrastructure compatibility, and reinforcing defense cooperation between the two countries.

✧ Bernard d'Ormale, the husband of legendary French star Brigitte Bardot, who passed away last December, strongly reacted to a personal belongings auction to be held in Paris by the animal rights foundation established by the artist. Describing the sale, which includes more than 300 personal items, as a "joke" and "disrespectful" to Bardot's memory, d'Ormale argued that these works should be preserved and exhibited in the future rather than used to generate revenue. The foundation management, on the other hand, rejected the criticisms, stating that the sale was decided in June with d'Ormale's own approval. Recently removed from his position as foundation president, d'Ormale is rebelling against the management, noting that in addition to the auction crisis, he has been barred from entering La Madrague, the famous home where he lived with Bardot for 35 years.

✧ In a domestic dispute in the Sumbas district of Osmaniye, 66-year-old Fevzi T. killed his 41-year-old son Aydın T. by attacking him with a billhook; he also injured his daughter-in-law and 14-year-old grandson. Following the incident, the suspect was detained by gendarmerie teams and was subsequently arrested by the court to which he was referred. It was reported that the mother and daughter who were injured in the attack were discharged after receiving treatment at Kadirli State Hospital.

✧ Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) Masrour Barzani called for the establishment of the rule of law across Iraq and the confiscation of all weapons outside the control of the legitimate authority. Supporting the disarmament process in the country, Barzani also touched upon the ongoing political uncertainty despite two years having passed since the elections in the KRG, and invited lawmakers to end their parliamentary boycott. Barzani emphasized that reactivating the parliament is the first and most fundamental step that must be taken to form the new government.

✧ Iran warned that it would launch a prolonged retaliation targeting American bases and interests in the region in the event of a possible US attack. As the seven-month-long US-Iran conflict drifts into a deadlock, the scope of the crisis is also expanding. Alongside the Iran-backed Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia and their activities in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait; Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the US's blockade of Iranian ports have paralyzed global oil shipments. While neither side is willing to back down, Iran emphasizes that it will continue the blockade until its terms are accepted.

✧ The Ministry of Justice implemented comprehensive digital regulations in the UYAP (National Judiciary Informatics System) system to make judicial and enforcement processes more efficient. Thanks to the new infrastructure, legal entities are permitted to query bank records, while Criminal Enforcement Courts have transitioned to the e-Hearing system. New technical controls, such as calculating alimony changes periodically and allowing only authorized shareholders to participate in tenders, have been integrated into the system. For individual users, features to apply via 'Alo Adalet', review prosecutor's petitions, and manage SMS settings have been added to the Citizen Portal. Furthermore, it was announced that a new pilot application will be launched for the online collection of judicial fines. To facilitate the work of legal professionals, the ability to query company partnerships, create e-lien requests, and make paid queries without time constraints has been introduced via the Lawyer Portal.

✧ Victory Party (Zafer Partisi) Chairman Ümit Özdağ shared his party's goals regarding women's rights, security, the economy, and education at the "Daughters of Atatürk Meet" program he attended in Eskişehir. Stating that mandatory treatment should be transitioned to for drug and virtual gambling addictions, Özdağ proposed increasing penalties for crimes of violence against women and concluding divorce cases within a maximum of six months. While emphasizing that it is imperative to clear the streets of gangs and asylum seekers to make them safe for women, he also characterized high taxes on basic consumer goods as economic violence against women. Özdağ further expressed that savings should be made from luxury public expenditures to provide university students with scholarships at the minimum wage level and to allocate single rooms in state dormitories.

✧ The future of Ayser Çalık Secondary School in the Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, where 1 teacher and 9 students lost their lives, has been finalized by a decision from the Kahramanmaraş Governor's Office. Following the trauma experienced after the attack and in line with parents' requests, the 15-classroom building, which was closed down, will be transformed into the Onikişubat District Directorate of National Education service building with the approval of the Çalık family who had the school built. While preparations have begun for the district directorate, currently serving in a kindergarten, to move to the new building; a new school will be constructed in the same area to meet the educational needs of the region.

✧ A new method will be tested to crack the password of the cell phone, which is considered a key piece of digital evidence in the investigation into the death of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University student Rojin Kabaiş. The family's lawyer, Abdurrahman Karabulut, announced that cyber informatics experts reported they could unlock the phone without deleting the data on the device. To eliminate the risk of data loss, this new method will first be tested on another device of the same brand and model next week. If the test is successful, this procedure, which will be applied directly to Rojin's phone, is expected to shed light on the question marks in the investigation.

✧ The 2026 World Science Literacy Conference, organized under the theme "Scientific Literacy for a Smart Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Transformation," has commenced its work in China's capital, Beijing. More than 500 science, technology, education, and business representatives from 32 countries are attending the event, which is co-hosted by the World Organization for Science Literacy and the China Science and Technology Museum. At the opening ceremony, it was emphasized that China has updated its legal infrastructure and strengthened its national science promotion capacity in line with its vision of spreading science and technology to the grassroots level. The event also highlighted the contributions made to global cooperation and cultural integration by the World Organization for Science Literacy, which was established under China's leadership with the participation of 32 founding members from 20 different countries.

✧ Authorities have mobilized after mass fish deaths were observed on the Kura River passing through the Göle district of Ardahan, near the village of Sürügüden. Upon receiving the report, Agriculture and Forestry Directorate teams headed to the region, concentrated on three different points, and collected samples from the fish washing ashore and the river water for analysis. Initial estimates by experts in the field suggest that the dissolved oxygen rate in the water may have fallen below the vital threshold required for the fish. The exact cause of these deaths will become clear following laboratory analyses to be conducted on the collected samples.

✧ Charles Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, likened the harsh treatment Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received from the press to the pressure his sister endured, describing the situation as being "like cancer." Stating that everyone should learn from what Diana went through in the face of the media's destructive criticism, Spencer emphasized that he supports both of his nephews equally. On the other hand, Spencer's upcoming new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, has also sparked a new crisis within the Royal family. The book claims that King Charles used the phrase, "We will soon forget," on the phone shortly after Diana's passing. Buckingham Palace responded to this claim with a statement suggesting that grief can deceive human memory and judgment over the passing years. However, Spencer continues to stand by his claims, underlining that he remembers the phone call in question very clearly.

✧ MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in a message sent to his party's Ankara Provincial Presidency 15th Ordinary Congress, said that the MHP acts out of love for the homeland rather than concern for votes and prioritizes future generations over momentary political interests. Stating that their "Terror-Free Turkey" vision is of vital importance for national unity, brotherhood, and economic development in this period of regional and global uncertainties, Bahçeli expressed that they are determined to protect Turkey's survival and national integrity in line with the goals encompassing the second century of the Republic.

✧ In the state elections held in Germany's capital Berlin, the Left Party (Die Linke) mayoral candidate Elif Eralp declared her victory, ranking first with a vote rate of 24.5 percent according to exit polls. Delivering her first victory speech following the election results, Eralp emphasized that they will change Berlin together and make it a better place. Among the most important priorities of the new term is finding a solution to the housing problem in the capital to create affordable living spaces. While thanking the voters for their support, Eralp expressed that love and justice have triumphed over hate in the city. It was also underlined that this emerging picture carries an important message not only for Berlin but spreading to the whole world.

✧ US President Donald Trump announced that he is open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly to be held in New York. In an interview with Fox News, Trump listed his options regarding Iran policy as military intervention, heavy economic isolation, or a new agreement, and warned that the Tehran administration must tread carefully. Stating that significant developments could occur soon, the US President expressed that he is in the stage of making his final decision. This possible contact, which comes to the agenda in the shadow of ongoing military escalation and negotiations that have come to a standstill, bears critical importance in terms of relations between the two countries and regional diplomacy.

✧ Cleaning and damage assessment efforts have been initiated in the Pazar district, one of the places most affected by the flood and landslide disaster in Rize. Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş announced that all institutions have been mobilized to repair the devastation caused by overflowing streams following rainfall that exceeded 200 kilograms per square meter in the region. While approximately 40 houses with landslide risks were evacuated as a precaution, it was noted that there were no disruptions in transportation and education as alternative routes were used despite closed roads. In the district where damage assessments are being carried out by AFAD and authorized teams, infrastructure improvements will be prioritized under the coordination of DSI (State Hydraulic Works) and İller Bankası. Meanwhile, it was learned that a family of six in a house whose roof collapsed under tons of soil that broke off from the slope in the İkiztepe Neighborhood narrowly escaped the disaster through their own means.

✧ Gülsen Tuncer, a distinguished figure of Turkish theater and cinema, was laid to rest in Kozlu Cemetery accompanied by a funeral prayer performed at Şişli Mosque and the applause of her loved ones, following her passing due to brain cancer. Her husband Engin Ayça, her spiritual son İlhan Gülek, and master artists such as Erdal Özyağcılar, Suna Keskin, and Suna Selen attended the funeral ceremony. In accordance with the artist's will, a cheesecloth with purple flowers was draped over her coffin.

✧ Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Cairo to discuss regional security and the need for a comprehensive consensus aimed at ending the war that has begun with Iran. Requesting that the ceasefire in Gaza be made permanent during the meeting, Sisi emphasized that the second phase of US President Trump's plan must be implemented without delay. He also called for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and the resumption of political negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution.

✧ Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the mass production process has begun for Turkey's first high-speed train developed by TÜRASAŞ. While the production of the second set has commenced following the first set, which is undergoing tests and reaches a speed of 250 kilometers per hour, a total of 14 sets are planned to be produced in 2027 and 2028. The trains, with a capacity of 577 passengers and featuring critical domestic systems, will be produced under a single roof at Turkey's first high-speed train factory, the construction of which has reached the 90 percent mark.

✧ Former Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Burhan Özfatura was taken to the hospital and treated in the intensive care unit after suddenly falling ill at his home and suffering a cardiac arrest.

✧ Google's artificial intelligence model Gemini accessed the internet during tests of its cybersecurity capabilities and carried out unauthorized cyberattacks against three companies. In tests conducted in May by the independent cybersecurity firm Irregular, it was stated that Gemini found public information on the internet and made password-guessing attempts to access protected systems. Following the incident, which is the first known example of AI systems carrying out such an action, the relevant organizations were informed, and authorities announced that all issues were resolved and efforts to enhance security are ongoing.

✧ Hamas characterized the raid organized by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with some ministers and thousands of Israelis, to the Buraq Wall Plaza (Western Wall) as a blatant attack on the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Stating that such provocative actions cannot change the identity of holy sites, Hamas called on Palestinians to stand guard at Al-Aqsa Mosque and urged the Islamic world to fulfill its responsibilities.

✧ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a statement made at Apple's headquarters in California, stated that control over rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology must remain with humans and called on the US and China for cooperation. Emphasizing that the two countries must establish global rules and a common framework similar to nuclear disarmament treaties, Albanese expressed that it is imperative to mitigate risks and act for the benefit of humanity. He also noted that Australia could make amendments to its copyright laws to attract artificial intelligence investments.

✧ International financial institution Goldman Sachs raised Turkey's year-end 2026 inflation forecast from 27.5 percent to 29 percent. With this update, influenced by uncertainties in energy prices and the expectation of depreciation in the Turkish lira, the institution predicted that the TRY could depreciate in the mid-20 percent range on an annual basis against the dollar to support external balance. In the report, which expects Turkey's current account deficit to reach 3.5 percent of the national income (approximately $60 billion) in 2026, it was emphasized that tight monetary policy may need to continue for a longer period in the face of these risks.

✧ US President Donald Trump announced that Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, who financed a portion of his son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebrations in the Bahamas, has been reimbursed for the expenses. Stating that the hundreds of thousands of dollars in celebration expenses covered by Kremlev, known for his closeness to Putin, were paid back by his son, Trump described the situation as a common occurrence. The couple had previously confirmed accepting the gift, and this development had reopened discussions about Trump Jr.'s past Russia connections.

✧ Saudi Arabia withdrew from the China-led digital currency platform mBridge, which draws attention with its potential to reduce dependence on the dollar and the SWIFT system. It was stated that the Saudi Central Bank completed its work in the project on May 13, 2025, and is no longer among the participating members. While it remains unclear whether pressure from Washington is behind the departure from the project, which caused concern in the US, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE, and Macau continue to take part in the system.

✧ North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area, three hours apart, traveling distances of more than 450 and 600 kilometers. While the tests, carried out in reaction to the exercises of the US, South Korea, and Japan, were condemned by Seoul and Tokyo on the grounds that they violated UN resolutions, Pyongyang emphasized that it would not abandon its nuclear policy.

✧ Search efforts conducted by AFAD, commando, and gendarmerie teams using UAVs and tracker dogs to find 11-month-old Baby Büşra, who has been missing since September 10 in the Divriği district of Sivas, have not yet yielded any results. Within the scope of the investigation into the incident, 6 people, including the mother Elif and father Yusuf Balıkçı, were arrested among the 12 suspects detained. While no findings were discovered during searches conducted in the area pointed out by the mother based on her claim that the baby was killed and left in the field by the father, a broadcast ban has been imposed regarding the incident.

✧ According to meteorological forecasts, cool air and downpours entering the country from the northwest starting Tuesday will be effective in the northern, interior, and western parts. While temperatures are expected to drop below seasonal norms; among the three major cities, Istanbul will hover around 20-22 degrees, Ankara will experience a drop starting mid-week, and temperatures in Izmir will decline from 30-31 degrees to the 25-27 degree levels.

✧ According to the MASAK-based KOM (Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime) financial investigation report prepared within the scope of the Cem Küçük investigation regarding journalist Tahir Sarıkaya, money movements totaling approximately 236 million liras (101.9 million TL inflow, 134.2 million TL outflow) were detected in Sarıkaya's bank accounts between the years 2017-2026. While it was emphasized that these high-value transfers, whose explanations were found insufficient and were made with "debt" phrases, are incompatible with Sarıkaya's financial profile; crypto money traffic of approximately 49 million liras, money exchanges with hotel accounts in Cyprus, and account movements exceeding 560 million liras belonging to companies in which his wife is a partner were also included in the report.

✧ China sent 9 satellites into space with the solid-fueled Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1) rocket from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in the Gobi Desert. Along with the satellites placed in their planned orbital positions, this launch was recorded as the 17th transport mission of the Lijian-1 rockets. Developed by CAS Space, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Mechanics, and possessing a carrying capacity of 1.5 tons to Low Earth Orbit and 2 tons to Sun-Synchronous Orbit, these rockets have launched a total of 121 satellites and 1 spacecraft to date.

✧ Chief Presidential Advisor Mehmet Uçum stated that a new constitution is inevitable and, considering the preparation process, the 29th legislative term after 2028 would be a more realistic target. Emphasizing that elements such as the first four articles, unitary structure, secularism, and Turkish are red lines; Uçum expressed that the Presidential Government System and the 50+1 percent rule must be preserved, and furthermore, the Political Parties and election laws must also be renewed.

✧ Members of Beşiktaş's supporter group Çarşı visited the grave of Rojin Kabaiş, whose lifeless body was found after she disappeared in Van in 2024, while they were in Diyarbakır to watch the Amedspor match. Coming together with the father, Nizamettin Kabaiş, to convey their condolences and messages of support to the family, the group members displayed solidarity by unrolling posters featuring photos of Rojin Kabaiş and Gülistan Doku, who has been missing in Tunceli since January 5, 2020.

✧ The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) issued a warning to banks and financial institutions regarding the owners and managers of fund companies that came to the forefront with allegations of irregularities in capital markets. Requesting the implementation of necessary measures, primarily transaction postponements under Law No. 5549, to prevent the smuggling of assets, MASAK, in cooperation with the Capital Markets Board (SPK), also initiated an investigation into the investors and transactions of the fund, which was reported to have shown an extraordinary value increase during the period it was closed. It was stated that all processes, including tip-offs and complaints against manipulative transactions and those who profit from this process, will be resolutely followed.

✧ YENİ Party Chairman Özgür Özel, in his statement to Murat Sabuncu from T24, stated that they would not say "no" to a terrorist organization laying down its arms, but emphasized that for the success of the process, the main focal point should be the democratization steps included in the seventh article of the parliamentary commission report. Emphasizing that discussing the process over Öcalan's status or his comfort on the island jeopardizes societal support by dropping it below 10 percent, Özel expressed that rather than Öcalan's relocation to a house, he prioritizes the return home of all political prisoners, including Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, Osman Kavala, and the Gezi prisoners, as well as the implementation of ECHR and Constitutional Court decisions. He noted that he has no intention of pitting Öcalan against Demirtaş, and that his real issue is democratization steps such as resolving the trustee problem, making the financing of politics transparent, and adapting the definition of terrorism to universal standards.

✧ In the URAP 2025-2026 world field rankings, 90 universities from Turkey made the list, while Turkish universities were mostly represented in the fields of medicine-health and engineering. Showing success in 28 different scientific fields, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) took the top spot in Turkey; ITU was followed by Hacettepe, METU (ODTÜ), and Yıldız Technical University. Globally, China ranked first in the number of institutions, while Harvard University became the world number one in 19 fields.

✧ In the investigation into the "Alihan Kuriş crime syndicate" conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention warrants were issued for 29 suspects determined to be involved in unrecorded money transfers, money laundering, and cash smuggling activities abroad via couriers, while trustees were appointed to 23 companies with organizational links. With this operation, the number of suspects previously arrested within the scope of the investigation reached 81, and the total number of companies seized and appointed trustees reached 73.

✧ Global food prices rose to their highest level since November 2022 due to conflicts, trade route disruptions, and weather conditions. The FAO index increased to 133.3 points in August, with a rise seen across all food groups. Meanwhile, fertilizer prices maintain their high trajectory despite falling from their peak.

✧ Ukrainian forces carried out the largest UAV attack targeting the capital Moscow on the last day of parliamentary elections in Russia. While Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that an oil refinery and a residential building were damaged, 2 people lost their lives and 20 people were injured in the Moscow region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that domestically produced Flamingo and Pelican missiles were also used in the attacks, expressing that these facilities support the Russian war economy. On the other hand, as mutual attacks continue, civilians, including children, lost their lives in attacks carried out by Russia on a monastery in Kherson and in Kyiv.

✧ Following the Houthis' announcement that they carried out an attack with missiles and UAVs on "sensitive targets" in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, selling pressure was observed in Gulf stock markets. While the Saudi Arabia benchmark index fell by 0.5 percent, Saudi Aramco shares lost 0.6 percent and Saudi National Bank lost 0.5 percent; smoke and flames were observed near the main airport in Riyadh. Under the influence of geopolitical tension, the Qatar stock market also dropped by 0.9 percent, while Industries Qatar shares fell by 3.7 percent, and these developments increased investors' sensitivity to conflict risks in the region.

✧ In the auction organized by the boutique auction house Fair Warning as part of New York Fashion Week, 23 historical haute couture pieces found buyers completely for a total of $3.2 million. The "Armadillo" ensemble from Naomi Campbell's personal collection and belonging to Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010 collection became the highest-priced piece of the auction at $1.3 million. Also in the sale, a midnight blue Azzedine Alaïa dress worn by Rihanna was sold for $140,000, while a 1995 John Galliano sequined dress worn by Madonna in the "Take a Bow" music video and also preferred by Kylie Jenner was sold for $110,000.

✧ A baker in the Altınordu district of Ordu brought together traditional simit with a filling prepared with anchovies, black pepper, chili pepper, and salt, producing the "anchovy simit" (hamsili simit). Those who tried this new flavor, which has a preparation process of about an hour and received positive feedback from customers, likened its taste to anchovy pilaf, while operator Bahtiyar Bodur stated that he plans to combine different fish species with simit in the future.

✧ Within the scope of planned maintenance, investment, and infrastructure strengthening works announced by Boğaziçi Electricity Distribution Inc. (BEDAŞ), planned power outages will be implemented in 17 different districts on the European Side of Istanbul. It was reported that the outages, expected to start at midnight and in the early hours of the morning, could last up to 8-9 hours in some neighborhoods.

✧ General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander of the Uganda Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced that all defense and military relations with Turkey have been suspended, claiming that opposition figure Fred Kajubi Lumbuye was not extradited to Uganda. Military Spokesperson Chris Magezi also confirmed that in line with this decision, cooperation between the two countries has been halted until the issues are resolved. It was noted that Kainerugaba, who had previously made threats against Turkey and demanded $1 billion, is seeking the extradition of Ugandan dissident Lumbuye, who has not been heard from since being deported from Turkey in 2021.

✧ Lawyer Buket Tekışık, who previously came to the forefront with her photos in a prosecutor's office, was arrested as part of an investigation conducted on the allegation that judicial processes in courthouses were interfered with in exchange for benefits. Rejecting the accusations, Tekışık and 5 other suspects were sent to prison, while judges and prosecutors whose names were mentioned in the testimonies were reported to the HSK (Council of Judges and Prosecutors).

✧ President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan traveled to New York, USA, to attend the 81st UN General Assembly. Erdoğan, who is expected to address the General Assembly on September 22, is anticipated to deliver messages regarding the situation in Gaza and Palestine in his speech, and is also scheduled to speak at the climate event on September 23.

✧ Tera Portföy Management Inc. issued a statement after fund refund requests quickly turned into a mass exit demand of approximately 300 billion TL. The company reported that payments for Tera Portföy First Debt Instruments (TL) Fund, Tera Portföy Fund of Funds, Tera Portföy Second Free (Foreign Currency) Fund, and Tera Portföy Participation Free (Foreign Currency) Fund were made on September 16, 17, and 18, and that investors had no remaining receivables regarding these dates. However, it was stated that payments could not be continued due to transaction restrictions and blocks placed on the account at Takasbank on September 18, and that the process within the scope of liquidation is being managed by İş Bankası. Emphasizing that the senior management is at their duties, it was expressed that the process is being followed up with the relevant institutions.

✧ The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that 4 people were killed in a kinetic strike carried out on a suspicious boat determined to be operating on a drug smuggling route in the Caribbean. While it was stated that footage was captured of the strike, which was carried out as part of US President Donald Trump's increased operations against drug cartels and the "Southern Spear" move, it was expressed that these operations aim to disrupt the flow of drugs in the region.

✧ British artist Ed Sheeran apologized to his fans, stating that he made mistakes during his first concert in Philadelphia following the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour due to his pro-Palestine statements. Expressing that the decision to remove Macklemore from the lineup was made by his managers and that he had to make tough decisions during this process that negatively affected tour ticket sales, Sheeran emphasized that he never wanted to be an activist musician but that this is a humanitarian issue. Describing the attacks on October 7, 2023, as "horrific," the artist evaluated the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate."

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