28/03/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The trial regarding the stabbing of D.D., a transgender sex worker, by Halil G. in 2022, resulting in life-threatening injuries, was heard on Tuesday, March 26 at the Ankara 33rd Heavy Penal Court. The next hearing is set for May 21.
Halil G., who was released during the initial hearing of the case where both parties were charged with “attempted to kill intentionally”, failed to appear for the subsequent hearing.
On March 26th, during the trial proceedings, the prosecutor submitted his final opinion of the merits on the case. In his statement, the prosecutor requested that the defendant, Halil G., be sentenced on the grounds of “attempted to kill intentionally” for violating the “Law on Firearms, Knives, and Other Tools.” However, the prosecutor did not consider the fact that D.D.’s right hand is now 80 percent disabled. Additionally, the prosecutor called for D.D. to be sentenced for “attempted to kill intentionally”. According to the indictment, Halil G. claimed that D.D. had inflicted the injuries to his right hand herself using a knife.
Following the session, it was determined that D.D. and her legal representative would be given time until the next hearing present a defense against the final opinion. The upcoming hearing is slated for May 21, 2024, at 10:20 am.
What is in the indictment?
In the article titled “Two Trials, Justice on Camera” Yıldız Tar reported the following details from the indictment:
“As stated in the indictment, Halil G. encountered D.D. while she was waiting for a client on the street. After visiting several locations, he urged to accompany D.D. to her residence. Once there, he inquired about security cameras within the premises. Upon learning there were none, he proceeded to retrieve a knife from his pocket and initiated the attack, stabbing D.D. in the chest and abdomen, resulting in severe injuries.
Halil G. claimed that D.D. also wielded a knife and attacked him, but D.D.'s significant disability in his right hand makes this assertion unlikely. D.D. contends that he acted in self-defense, managing to repel Halil G.'s aggression by biting the hand holding the knife. As a result, Halil G. stumbled, potentially injuring his arm. After the altercation, Halil G. fled on foot, while D.D. required hospitalization for a week due to the severity of his injuries. Forensic analysis confirmed the life-threatening nature of the attack, prompting D.D. to undergo multiple surgeries for treatment.”
Furthermore, the requests of Ankara Bar Association LGBTIQ+ Rights Center and the Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association to be involved in the case had been also denied.
Tags: human rights
