23/09/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
Components of Amed Network for Struggle Against Violence made a statement in front of Diyarbakır Courthouse regarding the murder of trans woman Sudenaz.
The statement made by Amed Anti-Violence Network, as read by Atalay Göçer from the Cultural Research for Peace Association, highlights the rising tide of violence and hate crimes against the LGBTI+ community in Turkey, specifically targeting trans women like Sudenaz, who was recently murdered in Diyarbakır. Göçer emphasized that this was a clear hate crime, worsened by the timing of a state-supported rally against so-called “LGBT propaganda” that fueled further discrimination.
According to the Mesopotamia Agency, Göçer reminded that a rally called “Big Family Meeting”, which was promoted by state-sponsored media organs, was organized immediately after the murder, and stated that hate speech claiming to be “anti-LGBT propaganda” was expressed at this rally.
“We will continue to fight against the state's unjust provocation reduction and impunity policies”
Atalay Göçer, in his statement, powerfully condemned the rapid succession of violent incidents against the LGBTI+ community, particularly trans individuals. He pointed out the disturbing fact that within the same week of Sudenaz’s tragic murder, another trans woman, G.E., had been subjected to extortion and torture. Göçer stressed that these events not only illustrate the rising violence but also signify the moral decay of society when it comes to protecting the LGBTI+ community. He rejected the normalization of hatred and violence, emphasizing the responsibility of LGBTI+ individuals and human rights defenders to fight for the rights and dignity of trans women and others subjected to hate crimes. Göçer also criticized the state's policies that seem to provide provocation discounts and impunity to perpetrators, vowing to continue fighting against these unjust practices while calling for solidarity, justice, and the defense of equality.
The statement underscores the ongoing struggle for the rights and safety of trans individuals and the demand for systemic changes to address hate crimes and the culture of impunity surrounding them.
What happened?
Two men have been arrested following the attack on two trans women in Diyarbakır’s Kayapınar district on 15 September. The violent assault left one of the victims, S.U., dead, while the other, identified as G., was injured.
After G. received medical treatment, she provided critical information to the police, which led to the detention of the two suspects, A.A. and İ.U. The men were subsequently arrested and charged after making statements to the authorities. G. also reported that the attackers looted the victims’ home during the incident. According to the information received from the Diyarbakır Bar Association LGBTI+ Rights Commission a restriction order has been placed on the case file. The prosecutor’s office is expected to complete the investigation and prepare an indictment soon. In a separate statement shared on social media, the Diyarbakır Bar Association LGBTI+ Rights Commission emphasized: “We will continue our struggle against hate murders,” underscoring their ongoing fight against violence targeting the LGBTI+ community.
Tags: human rights, women
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