17/04/2024 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
Following the assaults on trans women in Bornova Street, all 6 individuals detained in connection with the incidents have been released. Subsequent investigations disclosed that one of the 9 individuals listed in the case remains unidentified, while another is currently a fugitive.
Photo: Serra Akcan / csgorselarsiv.org
Recently, 6 people who assaulted and robbed a trans woman on Bornova Street in the Konak district of Izmir on Wednesday, April 10, and subsequently attacked the residences of trans women in the area, have been detained. However, all 6 detainees have since been released.
Lawyer Zeynep Yavuz from the November 20 Trans+ Initiative provided details regarding the case opened following these incidents in an interview with KaosGL.org.
Yavuz said that there are 9 individuals listed in the case file:
“In the case file, there are 9 individuals listed, consisting of 5 minors and 4 adults. One of the adults is currently a fugitive but has been identified, while one individual remains unidentified. According to statements provided by the detained individuals, the unidentified person is purported to have been responsible for the looting in most accounts. Conversely, based on video evidence and statements from the trans women who were attacked, it is indicated that the looting was carried out by 2 individuals who were subsequently released under judicial control conditions.”
Yavuz mentioned that the six individuals, with four of them being subject to judicial control conditions, have been released, and currently, there are no detentions in the case. Additionally, she noted that the individuals who were released made intimidating comments on social media posts related to the attacks on Bornova Street:
“These people are using threatening language like ‘we will do it again’ under the circulated news reports, indicating a potential recurrence of such attacks. Consequently, the residents of Bornova Street are currently on their toes. While a sense of vigilance has always been present, the recent events have heightened tensions even further.”
What happened?
On April 10, Wednesday, a group launched an attack on trans women in and around Bornova Street, located in the Konak district of Izmir. The attackers physically assaulted a trans woman, as captured in footage, and forcibly took her phone and wallet. Subsequently, the group targeted the residences of trans women residing on Bornova Street, pelting their houses with stones.
Ani, from November 20 Trans+ Initiative had told the followings regarding the attack:
“The assault on the residences was premeditated and coordinated. The assailants mistakenly believed that trans women aiding a man experiencing an epileptic seizure had caused his demise, sparking a chaotic confrontation. Sensing the escalating danger, the women retreated to their homes, fearing further violence. In a targeted spree, the assailants then sought out trans women on the streets. Açelya, who was assaulted and robbed, was leaving a local hair salon during the attack.”
And Helin, who lives on Bornova Street, had said the following:
“Normally, the guards should be patrolling the streets by 9 o’clock, but they were nowhere to be seen. Even when guards are present, their surveillance is limited, and they often remain stationed at fixed points, unaware of incidents occurring in the side streets. The attackers tend to avoid areas with guards and instead target trans individuals in the alleys. On the day of the attack, when a man suffered an epileptic seizure on the street, the women attempted to assist him, only to be assaulted by the arriving group of men. Although the police eventually arrived after 15-20 minutes, the damage had already been done. Unfortunately, these incidents are all too common. Houses of women who work together are frequently targeted with stones. The effectiveness of the guards is severely lacking. I live alone on my street and feel afraid to venture outside due to the absence of guards. For two nights, I haven’t been able to let my dog out. If law enforcement and guards fulfilled their duties properly, we wouldn't find ourselves in such precarious situations.”
Translation: Selma Koçak
Tags: human rights, women
