21/04/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
The verdict of a total of 62 years in prison given to the defendants on October 2, 2023, was overturned on the grounds that the lawyers of two defendants were not present at the trial. The Esat-Eryaman case is once again at risk of being time-barred. The hearing is scheduled for April 29.
In April 2006, a gang attacked trans women in Eryaman, Ankara. Many trans women were forced to leave their homes in Eryaman. Some moved to different cities, while others relocated to Esat. The attacks continued in Esat as well.
Known to the public as the Esat-Eryaman case, the trial of four individuals from the gang who attacked the trans women has been bouncing between the Court of Cassation and lower courts. A verdict was finally reached in 2023. In the most recent hearing on October 2, 2023, Şammas Taşdemir, Harun Çardak, Ayhan Günay, and Ahmet Günay were sentenced to a total of 62 years in prison for the crimes of robbery and attempted robbery against trans women.
However, the decision to sentence them to a total of 62 years was overturned on procedural grounds because the lawyers of two of the defendants were not present at the trial. One of the lawyers involved in the case, Senem Doğanoğlu, spoke with Eylem Esen Arabacı from Pink Life Association.
Doğanoğlu stated that the Ankara 30th High Criminal Court issued a notice and that a new opinion on the case is expected, along with a new defense by the defendants with their lawyers. The hearing will be held on April 29 at 9.50 AM at the Ankara 30th High Criminal Court.
The case, which has been going back and forth between the Court of Cassation and the lower courts, faces the risk of being time-barred.
Doğanoğlu said the following:
“A new opinion will be given, and the defendants will present their defense with their lawyers. Then, if the statute of limitations hasn't expired, a verdict will be issued and sent to the Court of Cassation. Technically, that's the situation. We're trying to quickly resolve all the bureaucratic procedures that wear us down but save time for the Court of Cassation, even if it means concluding everything in a single hearing.”
Pink Life Association: “We want justice for trans people! Together, we stand in the courtroom”
Pink Life Association also made a call for solidarity regarding the case through its social media accounts:
“Pink Life is calling for attendance at the retrial of the Esat-Eryaman Case! In 2006, the perpetrators of the organized hate attacks against trans women in the Eryaman and Esat neighborhoods of Ankara have still not been fully brought to justice. 19 years later, we are not giving up on our demand for justice! We remember together, we resist together. We want justice for trans people! Together, we stand in the courtroom.”
Tags: human rights, women, life
