13/09/2024 | Writer: Defne Güzel
In August, several websites including Instagram, Roblox, Wattpad, and jiangzaitoon were banned due to LGBTI+ content among other cited reasons, reflecting the government’s ongoing support for hate.
Violation of rights
Instagram, Roblox, Wattpad, and jiangzaitoon were blocked. Boğaziçi University students faced censorship, and the cancellation of concerts by artists supporting LGBTI+ rights went unpunished.
Access to Instagram blocked: Hüseyin Yayman, AKP member and chairman of the TBMM Digital Media Commission, evaluated the decision by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority to block access to Instagram, stating, “A lot of content related to LGBT is shared.” Yayman had previously targeted LGBTI+ people in his statements.
Access to Roblox blocked: Following backlash over the Instagram ban, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) also blocked access to the game platform Roblox, citing “LGBT propaganda” as one of the reasons.
Eighth ban on LGBTI+ comics website: The LGBTI+ manga translation site “jiangzaitoon” faced its eighth block but swiftly moved to a new address. In August, amid a wave of access bans, Wattpad was also blocked, although the reasons were not explicitly related to LGBTI+ content. However, the Minister of Family and Social Services highlighted “LGBTI+ propaganda” in their comments on the block.
Transphobic attack in Istanbul: During Trans Pride Week, a trans person named Yaşam was attacked in Bakırköy and subsequently detained, spending the night at the police station. In response, the Pride Week committee declared, “We will not allow you to target trans people.”
Selin Ciğerci under investigation: After being targeted in social media posts by Deniz Akkaya, the Ministry of Family and Social Services confirmed an ongoing investigation against Selin Ciğerci.
Censorship at Boğaziçi University: The university’s administration censored the Cinema Club (BÜSK), demanding the removal of references to the BÜLGBTİA+ (Boğaziçi University LGBTIA+ Club). In response, the Student Representative Office, alongside 37 student clubs and societies, issued a joint statement against the censorship.
Melek Mosso concert cancelled: After being targeted for her support of LGBTI+ rights, Afyonkarahisar Municipality cancelled the planned concert of artist Melek Mosso.
Violation of privacy: A video format news story raised concerns over the violation of personal privacy and integrity.
Trans woman placed in male ward: Accounts from Tokat T Type Closed Prison revealed that trans women were being placed in male wards, highlighting issues of improper treatment and discrimination.
Targeting
The phrase “LGBT is a crime” has been appearing on electricity panels across various neighborhoods in Eskişehir. Athletes also targeted LGBTI+'s like politicians.
National boxer targeted opponent: During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Esra Yıldız Kahraman made the chromosome sign after in order to protest her opponent after losing the game.
“LGBT is a crime” graffiti in Eskişehir: Hate speech targeting LGBTI+ communities appeared on electricity panels in Eskişehir, where the phrase “LGBT is a crime” was written.
Football player kicked LGBT-themed pole: After a loss to Young Boys, footballer Kerem Aktürkoğlu kicked a pole displaying the LGBTI+ flag in frustration.
Destici targeted LGBTI+s: At a party meeting, the Great Unity Party (BBP) leader Mustafa Destici said, “Can a Turkish nationalist consider LGBT as normal?”
LGBTI+ targeted over M pox virus: The Big Family Platform blamed the LGBTI+ community for the spread of the M Pox virus, using the infection to fuel anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric.
President Erdoğan’s Message: During a party anniversary speech, President Erdoğan referred to LGBTI+ identities as “LGBT perversion.”
Deputy Interior Minister criticized gender equality: In a meeting with local leaders in Adıyaman, Deputy Interior Minister Büllent Turan claimed that gender equality is an LGBT symbol, criticizing the concept alongside LGBTI+ issues.
Courses of the cases
A lawsuit was filed against participants of both the Antalya Pride March and the Trans Pride March, while a decision of “non-prosecution” was made for the Bayram Street supporters.
Lawsuit filed against Antalya Pride March: A case has been filed against four individuals, including three lawyers, who were detained during the police-blocked Antalya Pride March. A megaphone is being cited as an “instrument of crime.” The first hearing is scheduled for 10 April 2025.
Charges against Trans Pride March participants: Two people who took part in the 10th Trans Pride March have been charged, with the first hearing set for 28 January 2025.
Criminal complaint filed in trans woman’s death: The Association for Access to the Right to a Fair Trial(AYHED) filed a criminal complaint against authorities and social media figures after the alleged death of M.E., a trans woman who was sent back to Syria after revealing her HIV status.
Non-prosecution for Bayram Street LGBTI+ rights defenders: LGBTI+ activists detained during a gathering on Bayram Street were granted a decision of “non-prosecution”.
Appeal in Hande Buse Şeker case: The prosecutor stated in his petition that the verdict against the defendant Volkan Hicret should be based on the offense of “intentional killing committed brutally or through torment” instead of the previous conviction for “simple intentional killing” and appealed the verdict.
Tags: human rights, women, media, life, education, health
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