15/04/2024 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
Lawyer Zeynep Yavuz, also a volunteer of the November 20 Trans+ Initiative, shared the latest updates with KaosGL.org.
Six people were taken into custody from the group responsible for assaulting trans women’s residences on Bornova Street in Alsancak, Izmir, and physically assaulting a trans woman on April 10th.
Lawyer Zeynep Yavuz, also a volunteer of the November 20 Trans+ Initiative, shared the latest updates with KaosGL.org.
Yavuz stated that the perpetrators of the attack against trans women on Bornova Street were detained and brought to the courthouse and added:
“In the case file, there are 6 people, with 4 of them being minors coerced into the crime. The remaining 2 are adults. As the physical file has not yet reached the prosecutor, he was only able to provide information based on what was conveyed to him. Currently, there is no investigation file for the minors, but an investigation is underway for the two adults.”
Yavuz mentioned that the swift initiation of the legal process is a positive step: “As of now, there is no information regarding judicial control or arrest. The prompt opening of the file is a positive development, possibly influenced by public pressure. The victim has already identified the perpetrators, and there are videos clearly capturing their faces. With this evidence, I believe the prosecutor will proceed with the case.”
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.”
Tags: human rights, women
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