Nov 13, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

Belgian MP Denis Ducarme from the Reformist Movement has defended new legislation permitting police to conduct home searches to detain foreign nationals lacking legal status who pose a threat to public order or national security, provided a magistrate authorizes the entry. Responding to public debate, Ducarme emphasized that judicial home entries already exist under current law, characterizing the measure as an extension of existing protocols rather than a novel power.

The political discussions coincide with an ongoing investigation in Flemish Brabant, where an officer from the Ardennes Brabançonnes police zone shot and wounded a man during an intervention on Bevekomsestraat in Bierbeek on Saturday evening. Local authorities confirmed the shooting but have not released further details regarding the victim's identity or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sources: Le Soir, RTBF Info.

A group of 258 former Turkish parliamentarians has declared its intention to join and support the YENİ Party ahead of its upcoming convention. The coalition, which includes former ministers, senators, and deputies from various legislative terms, stated that Turkey requires a new political vision and renewed hope.

In a joint announcement, the former lawmakers confirmed that their decision will be officially presented to the public on Thursday. The move represents a significant political consolidation behind party leader Özgür Özel as the organization prepares for its national conference.

Sources: Cumhuriyet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine and Russia are preparing to conduct their largest prisoner exchange to date. Speaking to reporters in Dublin following talks with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding efforts to end the war.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the recent discussions provided hope for a diplomatic resolution. He emphasized that European representatives are expected to join the negotiation table during the next round of talks, stressing the importance of achieving concrete results in upcoming meetings.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency)

An Istanbul heavy penal court has ordered the release of eight jailed defendants on the 109th day of hearings in a wide-ranging trial involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB).

Among those granted release by the Istanbul 33rd Heavy Penal Court are Mehmet Pehlivan, a lawyer representing Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, and Fatoş Pınar Türker, the general manager of Medya AŞ. The decision came at the conclusion of the third session of hearings held at the courtroom complex opposite Marmara Prison in Silivri.

The broader case involves 436 defendants, dozens of whom were held in pre-trial detention, including elected Mayor İmamoğlu. During the recent proceedings, defense counsel and defendants pushed for release, challenging statements made by secret witnesses.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

Turkey's Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has published the final declaration from its Party Assembly meeting held on 7–8 November in Ankara. The party urged the Turkish government to take concrete political and legal measures to advance the peace and democratic society process into its second phase.

Highlighting a July message from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, the declaration noted that he defines the current stage through the concepts of "democratic politics" and "comprehensive law." The DEM Party stressed the necessity of introducing "democratic integration" laws, arguing that structural reforms, the rule of law, and broader participation are essential to securing lasting resolution and peace.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet