Transphobic attack on woman in İstanbul’s Harbiye

"Trans murders are political" - Photo: csgorselarsiv/Jivan Güner

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

WARNING: This news report is about an incident of violence. While it does not share details, it recounts what happened. The content might trigger memories or have a traumatic effect on persons who witnessed or were subjected to violence, discrimination and hate before. In this case, you can contact a mental health specialist, an LGBTI+ organization in your city or write to May 17 Association for support.

A transphobic group first verbally harassed trans woman Beren Ecmel and her friend Asya in İstanbul's Harbiye yesterday evening (July 25). Afterwards, they attacked the women with sharp objects.

Speaking to bianet, Ecmel says:

"I will file a criminal complaint against the assaulters. The teams from the Şişli Security Department are underway. They are following up this incident. I want the responsible ones to be caught and penalized. No one is safe outside. With this attack, I have understood it very well.

"I am baffled. We live in a world where men can have the courage to kill you, which is so sad. What is equally said is the authorities' statements.

"The police officers here are doing their best to bring the incident to light. But this is not the problem. While the authorities are targeting us everyday, anyone can easily get off to attack us. 

In fact, no one has such a right. My life is as sacred as anyone else's. I want this to be understood.

She was taken to a hospital

As reported by Kaos GL LGBTI+ Association, Beren Ecmel underwent the first medical intervention at the hospital. In a video about the incident, her friend Asya recalled that she had been herself subjected to an attack with a flammable material thrown to her face at the age of 17.

"They pierced my friend's face. They attacked us contrary to all reason. We are humans. We don't inflict any harm on anyone. We want our rights, we want justice. We are humans, we don't inflict any harm on anyone," Asya has said in the video about the attack on Ecmel.

Ecmel will reportedly file a criminal complaint today so that an examination will be conducted at the scene of the incident. (EMK/SD)