Filiz Zeyrek / JINHA

ADANA - Çilem Doğan had been arrested for killing her husband, who repeatedly beat her, by using self-defence. She was released on bail yesterday. Çilem Doğan commented the decision as, "We were looking for this justice for many years." Çilem said, "There are millions of prisoners women inside and outside and I will fight for their freedom in the rest of my life. I have becom a symbol of women's struggle, because I didn't surrender to violence. We fought to not fall tear from our eyelashes and we will continue to fight. Now, I believe in women's power and they will hear our voice everywhere.

Çilem Doğan was sentenced to 15 years for killing her husband who repeatedly used violence against her, by applying self-defense. Çilem noted that she will take part in women's struggle for freedom in the rest of her life. Çilem, who answered our questions in her family's home located in Adana's Yüreğir district. Çilem said that she expected the eviction order but not so soon. She considers the order as, "A late justice." And she said, "We were looking for this justice for many years."

Çilem said that she had been subjected to violence many times; however, she could make her heard. She stated that she has become a sysmbol of women's struggle, "I had been subjected to violence many times; However, I didn't surrender. I killed one person; However, I had to do that. I have become an example of women those who cannot rise their voice. Hereupon, I will fight for taking protection orders for women who are subjected to violence. There are millions of women who are subjected to violence. Many of them have protection orders; however, they have been protected like me. I will fight for women. I will march for them."

Çilem stated that she thanks to all women who support her and she said, "We fought to not fall tear from our eyelashes and we will continue to fight. I am happy to be with my child and family now. When I heard I was going to be released, I didn't believe that until I saw the order. I cannot explain my happiness."

Çilem also stated that she became happy when she got the letter of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ. Çilem said, "My dear representative Figen Yüksekdağ sent me a letter when I was in prison. They supported and believed in me when I was in prison. Really, I felt very happy when I got her letter. I cried when I read her letter. Her letter made me stronger."

Çilem said that JINHA supported her when she was in prison. She noted that, "JINHA has supported me for one year. They have become the voice of women and they shared everything we wrote. They fought with us and they never surrender. Thank you very much for the women's solidarity. Thank JINHA."

(dk/gd)