Wrongful Provocation for Honor Crimes

There is hope that the new Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which is linked to international agreements, will lead to a change in mentality toward women.

International agreements Turkey has signed in its bid to join the European Union and the Copenhagen Criteria are regarded as "the hope" for Turkish women.

Mor Cati (Purple Roof) women's organization argued that the state is not doing what it should about honor crimes.

The group points to the fact that there still is a shelter problem in Turkey despite the new laws, and explains this as the resistance of the patriarchal structure of the state.

Lawyer Yirmibesoglu: We shouldn't bee too happy too soon about the new TCK

Lawyer Vildan Yirmibesoglu, who is the head of the Human Rights Commission of the Istanbul Governor's Office, said people shouldn't be too happy too soon about the new TCK.

Yirmibesoglu said she is especially following court suits in which the "special provocation" article no: 462 of the TCK is applicable.

"The article on provocation hasn't been removed... The defendant may ask for a reduction in punishment by saying 'My motive in committing the murder was to protect my honor.' But now we are bound by the EU harmonization laws and the Copenhagen Criteria. The judges will be making decisions within the framework of these laws and criteria."

Akay: The state should fulfill its responsibilities for the improvements of the TCK to be felt

Mor Cati also drew attention to the honor crime in Sirnak and murders recently committed in connection with the 'women's programs.' T

he group said that the improvements of the TCK can only be felt if the state fulfills its responsibilities.

"The state isn't fulfilling its responsibilities on preventing honor crimes," said Mor Cati volunteer Birgul Akay. It is not ensuring women's security. Women, who need to be protected, are being murdered in hospitals or bus stops. And the authorities aren't even condemning these murders."

Akay said many provinces have failed to set up women's shelters although this is required by law. She also criticized the media for being insensitive about women who are victims of violence.

"Women are desperately attending those women's programs on the TV and talking about their problems. They are trying to have their voices heard. But the media should be finding more creative ways for the women to make their voices heard. The media should also be calling intensely for more shelters." (AD/TK/EA/YE)