JINHA

ISTANBUL – Women pointed out that violence against women has risen following the State of Emergency declared after the attempted coup on July 15 and said, “Kicks given in buses or lecturing at women for wearing shorts or skirts and other things is a conceit from democracy vigils and the State of Emergency.”

As violation of right has increased following the State of Emergency declared after failed coup attempt on July 15, particularly women don’t feel safe in this ongoing process. Theatre player Çiğdem Sayın pointed out the ongoing lawlessness began following the State of Emergency and continued: “The ruling power never cares about women’s problems, as women, we have become invisible. I think the show of strength during the failed coup attempt causes unnecessary explosion of self-confidence and masculinity in the society.”

Çiğdem expressed that oppression against women has been increased after the practices of the State of Emergency and continued: “I haven’t faced individual practices in daily life yet; however, these practices have progressed through more planned and organized organizations. Kicks given in buses or lecturing at women for wearing shorts or skirts and other things is a conceit from democracy vigils and the State of Emergency.”

Psychology student Elif Akdemir pointed out the violation of rights in prisons following the declaration of the State of Emergency and said, “I have visited Bakırköy Prison. The prisoners have launched sit down protest against increased violation of rights after the declaration of the State of Emergency. Women in the prison cannot take enough books and they cannot take treatment regularly. They have been subjected to physical violence. The assaults against prisoners, opponents and women have begun by using the period of the state of emergency as an excuse.”

Another woman Nezahat Alkan, meanwhile, said, “The State of Emergency means exceptional circumstances, oppression, freedom for ruling power and turning the laws into statutory decree. Women in this country have already faced extraordinary situations every time not just during the State of Emergency.”

(bk/mg/fk/gd)