13/09/2024 | Writer: Nalin Öztekin

Lawyer Hasan Çayır filed a criminal complaint regarding graffiti reading “LGBT is a crime”. Çayır spoke to KaosGL.org on the subject: “As with all segments of society, hate speech against LGBTI+ persons is a crime under the Penal Code of Turkey.”

Graffiti claiming “LGBT is a crime’” in Eskişehir taken to court Kaos GL - News Portal for LGBTI+

The phrase “LGBT is a crime” has been appearing on electricity panels across various neighborhoods in Eskişehir since 30 June. This hate speech has prompted LGBTI+ rights defenders in the city to take action.

The identity of those responsible for the writings remains unknown, and the increasing visibility of the hate speech across the city raises questions about why electricity panels were chosen as the medium. Osmangazi Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş. (electricity retail sales inc.), the company responsible for the city's electricity service, has not yet commented on the matter.

The graffiti has appeared in various neighborhoods since June 30, raising concerns among local LGBTI+ rights defenders. Despite its growing visibility, the responsible parties and the reason for using electricity panels remain unknown.

Lawyer Hasan Çayır has taken legal action, filing a criminal complaint with the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, supported by visual evidence of the hate graffiti. Çayır emphasized that the writings specifically target the LGBTI+ community and called for the perpetrators to be identified and investigated under Article 216/1 of the Penal Code of Turkey, which addresses incitement to hatred and hostility. He urged for their prosecution and punishment accordingly.

“These writings should be recognized as hate speech if current laws are properly enforced”

Lawyer Hasan Çayır clarified that the graffiti does not fall under the scope of freedom of expression, emphasizing that targeting individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity is a violation of their rights. Speaking to KaosGL.org, Çayır stated:

“Being LGBTI+ pertains to a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. The graffiti attributes guilt to those with sexual orientations and identities outside the binary gender system. Despite the absence of discriminatory laws against LGBTI+ persons in our legal framework, these writings should be recognized as hate speech if current laws are properly enforced. LGBTI+ persons are equal citizens of this country, and just as with any other group, hate speech against them constitutes a crime under the Penal Code of Turkey.”

“The main reason for this is the political power’s policy of impunity”

Lawyer Hasan Çayır, recalling past incidents where hate speech booklets were distributed in Eskişehir, emphasized that these actions appear to be systematic. He stated, “Considering the actions taken, it is clear that the situation has become systematic. The main reason for this is the political power’s policy of impunity toward perpetrators when it comes to LGBTI+ individuals.” He further highlighted that this incident is a consequence of the government’s discriminatory policies toward LGBTI+ people, stressing that such actions are not isolated events.

“The local administration is drowning in apathy”

LGBTI+ activist Mati Solak expressed deep concern about the rise of hate speech in public spaces, stating, “Yes, many of us are fearful and worried about our right to life in the face of this situation.” Solak criticized local leaders who had previously promised equality and justice, noting their indifference to the hate-filled graffiti. “We believe they are caught up in the illusion of power provided by their positions, which is common in our country,” Solak said. Despite raising the issue on social media during Pride week, Solak highlighted that only a few LGBTI+ supporters took it seriously. Particularly, Solak called out Eskişehir’s Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce, who, despite being a woman and lawyer, remained silent on the matter. “The local administration is drowning in apathy,”Solak concluded.

“The graffiti is just a small glimpse of this larger process”

Mati Solak highlighted that the shift in the city's atmosphere has been noticeable since 2015, reflecting broader governmental policies against the LGBTI+ community. Solak emphasized the need for action:

“LGBTI+ people and feminists in the city foresaw this change 20 years ago and warned the local opposition and residents about the dictatorial shift that was coming, but their calls for resistance went unheard. The hatred that has slowly and insidiously grown has now spread through the veins of the city. The graffiti is just a small glimpse of this larger process. I believe there is more to come.”

* This article has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is under the responsibility of the KaosGL.org and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.


Tags: human rights
2024