Feminist activists detained in the 19th Feminist Night March in İstanbul face possible imprisonment for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The ‘Night March’ has become one of the key forms of activism of the feminist movement in Turkey and has grown in scale and impact over the years. Every year, on the 8th of March, which marks International Working Women’s Day, the night march sets off from Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu, and the streets echo with the demands and the slogans of the feminist movement. This year, the 19th Night March took place from Sıraselviler street to Karaköy and has encountered police violence and restrictions. Even though there were massive restrictions, hundreds gathered again to make their voices heard.
A wave of repression against feminist activists had taken place as some of the women who participated in March were under investigation for “insulting” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan” and organizing, leading and participating in illegal meetings and demonstration marches.” The women were targeted due to their slogan “Tayyip, run, run, run, women are coming,” a slogan that has been evident in the protests for more than a decade. “Rhythmic jumps” were also included in the police interrogation reports.
The protestors gave their statements at the prosecutor’s office at the Palace of Justice in Çağlayan. 17 suspects brought before the court and were released on condition of judicial control. In total 13 of the protestors received a ban on leaving the country. 4 of the protestors are also required to to give signature at the police station regularly.
Now they are facing a court case which could lead to imprisonment up to 7 years. The first hearing will be held on March 1, 2022, at 09:45, at the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan, at the Istanbul 10th Criminal Court.