19/03/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The İstanbul Newroz 2024 Organizing Committee issued a statement addressing the attacks against LGBTI+ individuals during the Newroz celebrations on March 17th.
Photo: Mezopotamya Agency
The following statements were included in the statement:
“Following the verbal assault, physical attacks ensued targeting the allies of Kurdish people and revolutionary factions present in the vicinity. Despite efforts by the organizing committee and officials to promptly address and deter the attacks, limitations imposed by the physical environment hindered their ability to intervene and mitigate all issues effectively. Our committee swiftly responded to the attacks, ensuring the safety of all affected areas and providing assistance to those seeking to leave or remain in the vicinity. The perpetrators, self-identified as Kurdish Nationalist Kurds and wielding Nazi symbols, were associated with elements within the state apparatus, mirroring past occurrences during Newroz celebrations. It is unacceptable for any faction within our organizing committee to target women, LGBTI+ individuals, or the revolutionary democratic forces, as well as the shared values of all those who stand in solidarity with us. The Newroz serves as a platform where the voices of the oppressed, marginalized, and overlooked resonate with their demands and will continue to do so. We consider it our historic and political obligation to take all requisite actions in response. We reaffirm our resolve to stand together against these orchestrated assaults, intended to sully Newroz, a symbol that strikes fear in rulers and unites our struggle. As the Dehhaks couldn’t snuff out the flame of Newroz, emblematic of freedom’s eternal fight, today's palace fascism and its allies will also fail in their attempt to douse it.
The radiant celebration of Istanbul Newroz 2024 stands as a powerful retort to all assaults on the Kurdish community and their allies. Happy Newroz to our resilient people who, despite enduring oppression, violence, and torture, persist in standing united, defending their traditions, and delivering a resolute response to fascism.”
What happened?
On March 17, LGBTI+ individuals seeking to join Newroz festivities in İstanbul and İzmir, displaying LGBTI+ flags, were subjected to attacks by groups purporting to be Kurdish nationalists.
According to the report of the Bianet; a group of LGBTI+ individuals, attempting to enter the rally area, faced verbal and physical violence from a group within the crowd. Despite intervention by DEM Party officials to disperse the attacking group, the LGBTI+ individuals were forced to leave the rally area. LGBTI+ activist and Turkey Workers' Party (TİP) Member of Parliament, İris Mozalar, stated: “As a handful of LGBTI+ individuals in the Newroz area, we were physically and verbally lynched by hundreds of people. We were punched and pelted with stones while holding children and babies in our arms. We were booed for hours.”
After the attack, statements were issued by Izmir LGBTI+ Pride Week, Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride Week, 10th Istanbul Trans Pride Week, Colours of Resistance, Human Rights Association (IHD) LGBTI+ Rights Commission, and the Revolutionary Socialist Workers’ Party.
Click – Attacks on LGBTI+'s in İstanbul and İzmir Newroz celebrations!
Tags: human rights
