newsscope

on national dailies in turkey, sometimes I come across to many weird news, I'd like to share some with you. Weird ones and common sense ones alike...

• Gerald Ford dies at 93. Noone to be direct witness of Nixon era, no more.
  
• arrested for allegedly downloading images of child pornography from child porn websites whilst working as the head of the languages department at a famous school, Claude Joel Fortin was eventually sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for having drugs in his home. the court postponed Fortin’s sentence due to there not being any previous cautions on his record. the original case put forward against Fortin was for up to 24 years imprisonment for having and spreading 12,110 pornographic photographs and video clips on his computer of which 491 consisted of child pornography.



• a guy cought with 7 rape and abuse videos recorded live on his cellphone including youngsters and boys. he allegedly introduced himself to young girls as a man with superpowers and then drugged them and raped them and videoed his acts.
  
• another guy beat and strangled his wife because she prepared the breakfast late. their son of 2 years was a witness to the act. there is no evidence apart from what he said to the police. but what's next?
  
• a young counselor commited suicide after sending her son to school. papers claim that it was because of her arguments with her husband.

in the last three "news" articles one common factor is the journalist "knew" who, where, when and why. there are no news of this kind in turkish media that claims the reasons are unknown. the papers always "know" why it happened. and it is not a matter of rhetoric. There is no hint of the narrative to be about "allegations". they just "know" what happened.

• many iraquies are applying to be the executioner of Saddam. even little children are applying. this is a long and mysterious road I guess, where a martyr would be created out of an old and weary dictator. and he is quoted as saying: "I am sacrificing myself. If Allah permits, I will find myself next to true heroes and men in heaven. The enemies of our country, the invaders and the Farsis, have constructed a barrier between you and those who would lead you. And for this reason, they are trying to plant the seeds of hatred between you. My faithful people, I bid you farewell as my soul rises to the great Allah. Long live Iraq. Long live Iraq. Long live Palestine. Long live the jihad and the fighters for the jihad. Allahuekber."



• in a very heated session in the national assembly, opposition leader baykal said referring to a previous speech by prime minister: "He was part of a pathetic, painful tableau. He is the one who has started this entire 'harem' argument. And yesterday he reflected the problems deriving from having started up this controversy." Baykal yesterday again asserted that Erdogan was not a suitable choice for president of Turkey, reflecting on the tension which has risen in Ankara following his own statement that "headscarves may cover hair, but not the sins of spouses," a statement apparently interpreted by Erdogan and his close circle to be a jab at the AKP.

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