24/05/2024 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
Two people attacked the houses of trans women with shotguns in Bornova Street and its neighbourhood. Ani from November 20 Trans+ Initiative told KaosGL.org about what happened.
Photograph: Serra Akcan / csgorselarsiv.org
The 20 November Trans+ Initiative reported on their social media channels that trans women and their residences in Bornova Street and nearby areas were targeted in a shotgun attack last night, on May 23rd.
Ani from the Initiative told KaosGL.org about the attack.
Ani recounted that the incident occurred around 03:50 last night. She described the sequence of events as follows:
“A person passing by on the street began verbally harassing and insulting one of the trans women. Sensing the situation escalating, the trans woman attempted to flee. Generally, street-based individuals prefer not to engage in such altercations due to the risk of being criminalized, and the police often fail to provide adequate support. As the trans woman sought refuge in her home, the harasser pursued her. Swiftly, her friends attempted to intervene, but the harasser grabbed her by the throat and issued threats, asserting his identity. He then left, only to return moments later, wielding a shotgun.”
Ani reported that following the incident, all trans women in the area shut themselves indoors. She remarked, “Once the girls closed their doors, these individuals split into two groups. Two individuals, armed with shotguns, proceeded to target the houses. They scoured Bornova Street and nearby areas, attacking several locations with their firearms. This alarming situation persisted for approximately 30 minutes. Had any trans women been on that street last night, the consequences could have been catastrophic.”
“In spite of daily GBT checks being carried out on the streets, wanted criminals are not being caught”
Ani highlighted that the nature of attacks in Bornova Street and its vicinity has been escalating over the past months. She emphasized, “Now, the attackers have resorted to using shotguns. The trans women in the area are extremely fearful. Many of them own property on this street, which has become a target for frequent violence and attacks. There is an alarming lack of deterrent policies in place, leading perpetrators to brazenly enter the street. The attacker are being wanted for various offenses. In spite of daily GBT (criminal record check) checks being carried out on the streets, wanted criminals are not being caught. It raises questions as to how this individual managed to bypass these checks unnoticed.”
CLICK – “Everyone on Bornova Street are on their toes”
November 20 Trans Initiative’s social media statement is as follows:
“On the night of May 23, 2024, at approximately 03:50, a group of individuals armed with shotguns launched a violent attack on Bornova Street and its vicinity. They unleashed a barrage of gunfire directed at the homes of our transgender companions and roamed the streets in search of transgender individuals to harm. These assailants have long subjected our friends to relentless verbal and physical harassment, with one recent incident culminating in a physical assault against a transgender woman in the same area.
We unequivocally recognize the hateful ideology that underpins such acts of violence, perpetuating a vicious cycle of discrimination and harm. It is abundantly clear where perpetrators, wanted for various offenses, find the opportunity to carry out such attacks, amidst a landscape patrolled by security personnel and law enforcement agencies. We call upon these authorities to fulfill their duty to safeguard the well-being of our friends and all residents, rather than further marginalizing transgender individuals through unjust criminalization. Despite facing eviction due to various rental issues, we refuse to abandon the streets we have called home for years. Our struggle for existence continues unabated, fueled by our unwavering determination. We are not afraid, you will not make us give up our struggle for existence.”
Tags: human rights
