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Yesterday Thursday was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In Turkey, for the feminists who demonstrated across the country, this day was of particular importance: from now on, Turkey is no longer a member of the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty which obliges states to protect the women. Report at the heart of the event.
With our correspondent in Istanbul, Anne Andlauer
Turkey has withdrawn on July 1st of the Istanbul Convention, by decision of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. For many demonstrators in the heart of the procession in Istanbul, this decision remains a hard blow and a great source of concern.
Rojin, in his twenties, is dressed entirely in purple. Even his mask, on which we read: “The Istanbul Convention brings life to life. ” She denounces : ” The withdrawal emboldened the murderers! The state and justice encourage them. We women are unprotected. Just yesterday, a man attacked a woman with a knife in the metro … “
Feminicides are political
” Feminicides are political », Shouts the crowd denouncing the 251 feminicides committed since the beginning of the year according to the Turkish government. Dozens more, according to NGO counts. Melahat, another demonstrator insists: “ Of course feminicides are political! The laws do nothing against the judges who agree with the aggressors, who ask the victims “what were you wearing that day? Ah, red! ...”As if it was an excuse. “
Eniz, who defines himself as non-binary, also says he feels less and less secure. The Turkish authorities have justified the withdrawal of the Istanbul Convention by claiming that it encouraged homosexuality : ” I have suffered violence countless times, all over the public space. By demonstrating, I denounce this violence, and I show that I am not guilty of anything. And that I am not alone. “
Feminist associations are calling for demonstrations again on Saturday, November 27.
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