16/07/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
İris Mozalar, who was arrested on July 11, due to her social media posts regarding the attacks against refugees, was released. Following her release, Mozalar said “I am happy that this unlawful act has been reversed.”
Photograph: T24
Mozalar had been arrested by the 9th Criminal Court of Peace claiming violating the article 216 of Penal Code of Turkey; “publicly provoking hatred or hostility in one section of the public against another section” due to her social media posts regarding the attacks on Syrian refugees, was released in the small hours on July 12.
According to the news report in Bianet; Mozalar said the following after her release :
“I was released, surprisingly. Just two hours ago, I was crying a lot with my lawyer friends. Now, I weep for joy. I feel very good [...] I know that my arrest was unlawful and I am happy that this unlawful act has been reversed. I would like to thank everyone who made effort during this process, who showed their solidarity with me in any way, who sent me greetings.”
İstanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week, Trans Pride Week and Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) LGBTI+ Bureau made a statement on Mozalar’s release.
TİP LGBI+ Bureau: “We don’t remain silent against lawlessness. Today, we first showed our solidarity at Süreyya Opera House and now our comrade İris has been released! We will continue our struggle to make our country one of peace and brotherhood, not hate and hostility.”
İstanbul Trans Pride Week and LGBTI+ Pride Week: “You imprisoned our friend who defends life in an attempt to intimidate immigrants and trans people. We are not afraid of you; we came together. WE DO NOT SUBMIT TO YOUR PRESSURES, YOUR PROHIBITIONS! Didn't we say that you cannot deal with us?”
What happened?
The arrest followed Mozalar's social media activity, where she criticized the violent protests against Syrian refugees’ homes, businesses, and vehicles in the Danışmentgazi neighborhood of Kayseri's Melikgazi district. The backlash was in response to allegations of a Syrian man assaulting a child. Mozalar had been taken into custody during a raid on her home in İstanbul, on July 10.
Mozalar had been arrested by the 9th Criminal Court of Peace under the article 216 of Penal Code of Turkey; “publicly provoking hatred or hostility in one section of the public against another section.”
Tags: human rights
