Protests Erupt in Turkiye Over Violence Against Women

In recent weeks, Turkiye has witnessed a surge in protests against violence directed at women, ignited by a tragic double murder in Istanbul. This alarming trend has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in the country, prompting citizens to demand justice and accountability from their government.

On Saturday, hundreds of women gathered in Istanbul, chanting slogans that criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AKP party. One of the rally's organizers, Gunes Fadime Aksahin, passionately addressed the crowd, stating, "You are a government that lets young girls get killed." This sentiment echoed the frustration felt by many who believe that the government has failed to protect women from violence.

The protests were fueled by the heartbreaking story of Gulizar Sezer, a mother who spoke at the rally about her daughter, a young woman whose body was discovered in June, wrapped in a carpet and thrown into the sea. Such incidents have become all too common, leading to daily protests across the nation, including in the capital, Ankara, and the city of Izmir.

These demonstrations have been a response to a recent tragedy where a man, suspected of murdering two young women on the same night, took his own life while in custody. The victims, both aged 19, were killed within a mere 30 minutes of each other, raising questions about their relationship with the attacker.

In the wake of these events, President Erdogan has promised to strengthen the justice system and take a firmer stance against crime. However, many citizens remain skeptical, especially given the alarming statistics reported by monitoring groups. This year alone, there have been 299 murders of women in Turkiye, with over 160 cases classified as "suspect" killings, often labeled as suicides or accidents.

In 2021, Turkiye made a controversial decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty aimed at preventing violence against women. This move has been criticized by many as a step backward in the fight for women's rights and safety.

The ongoing protests highlight a critical issue that transcends borders: the need for societies to protect their most vulnerable members. As the women of Turkiye continue to raise their voices against violence, it serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. It is essential for governments worldwide to listen to these calls for change and take meaningful action to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender.