26/12/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
DEM Party Istanbul MP Özgül Saki , asked Ali Yerlikaya, the Minister of the Interior, for a written answer on the reasons of not dismissing Muhammet Hanifi Zengin.
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) İstanbul MP Özgül Saki; Özgül Saki asked Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya about the reason of not dismissing Muhammet Hanifi Zengin, who is still in office as Başakşehir District Police Chief and who has been at the centre of violence and harassment against women, journalists, LGBTI+s and rights defenders.
In the parliamentary question, MP Saki highlighted that no case has been filed against Muhammet Hanefi Zengin and he has not been dismissed despite his open harassment, even though his LGBTI+ hatred and misogynistic actions and sexual harassment have been documented through his intervention in feminist night marches, November 25, 8 March protests and Pride marches:
“Zengin had threatened cameraman Bilal Meyveci, who was covering the health workers’ protest for doctor Ekrem Karakaya, who was killed in the line of duty on July 7, saying: ‘Did you film, did you film me stepping on your foot? Did you film me stepping on your foot, if not, I'll see you later!’ and had ordered the detention of AFP photojournalist Bülent Kılıç during the Pride march on 26 June 2022. Hundreds of women, LGBTI+ and members of the press who took part in the Pride march on 26 June 2021 were subjected to police violence under the orders of M. Hanifi Zengin. During their detention, the participants were subjected to inhuman treatment and practices such as beatings, insults, threats, handcuffs tightened backwards to the point of causing injury, and confiscation of their belongings, especially phones, without any report.”
In accordance with Article 98 of the Constitution and Articles 96 and 99 of the Rules of Procedure of the TBMM, the following questions are to be answered in writing in the motion which announces that numerous complaints against Hanifi Zengin have been ignored while Zengin’s complaint about a group of women on the grounds of insult has resulted in a defamation lawsuit filed against the women:
· What is the justification for not dismissing Hanifi Zengin, who was appointed to Başakşehir District Police Department, when his offences are obvious?
· Is there an administrative investigation against Hanifi Zengin, who is known for his harassment and threatening videos against journalists? If not, what is the reason?
· Are there any administrative investigations launched by your ministry on the basis of complaints and evidence submitted by human rights organizations against police officers who are perpetrators of torture?
Will you continue the constant police violence, which is carried out with the authority of your ministry, during meetings and demonstrations, even though it is a constitutional right?
Tags: human rights, women, media
