Document #2113339
ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation (Author)
27. Juni 2024
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Bedrohung und Gewaltverbrechen von Polizei/Sicherheitskräften gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen
Schutz durch Justiz/Sicherheitskräfte bei Gewaltverbrechen von Privatpersonen
Lage von Transgender-Personen
Zugang zu medizinischer HIV-Behandlung
Lage von LGBTIQ*-Personen in der kurdischen Gemeinschaft
Lage von kurdischen LGBTIQ*-Personen allgemein
Situation von politisch aktiven kurdischen LGBTIQ*-Personen
Quellen
Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen
Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass die folgenden Übersetzungen aus dem Türkischen unter Verwendung von technischen Übersetzungshilfen erstellt wurden.
Die folgende Anfragebeantwortung behandelt den Berichtszeitraum April 2023 bis Juni 2024. Informationen über die Situation vor April 2023 finden Sie in folgender Anfragebeantwortung von ACCORD:
· ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zur Türkei: Aktuelle Situation offen schwul lebender Männer: Politische Rhetorik, Polizeigewalt, homophobe Angriffe, gesellschaftliche Diskriminierung [a-12111], 24. März 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2091211.html
Bedrohung und Gewaltverbrechen von Polizei/Sicherheitskräften gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen
Laut dem 2023 veröffentlichten Türkei-Bericht der Europäischen Kommission gebe es Vorwürfe der Diskriminierung durch Sicherheitskräfte in Gefängnissen gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen. Es habe keine Verbesserungen bei den Untersuchungen von Selbstmordvorwürfen, Leibesvisitationen und diskriminierendem Verhalten durch Gefängniswärter·innen gegeben (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 31).
Die Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association (Kaos GL) veröffentlicht im Februar 2023 einen Bericht über die Situation der LGBTIQ*-Gemeinschaft in der Türkei im Jahr 2023. Laut dem Bericht komme es zu Erniedrigungen und Misshandlungen durch die Behörden, um die Ausübung des Versammlungsrechts von LGBTIQ*-Personen zu unterdrücken. Fast ein Drittel der Verstöße gegen das Recht auf persönliche Unversehrtheit von LGBTIQ*-Personen sei auf Gewalttaten durch Beamt·innen zurückzuführen (Kaos GL, 23. Februar 2024).
Den vollständigen Bericht (auf Türkisch) finden Sie unter folgendem Link:
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Vazgeçmek yok! LGBTI+’Larin Insan Haklari 2023 Yili Raporu, 25. Jänner 2024
https://kaosgldernegi.org/images/library/lgbti-larin-i-nsan-haklari-raporu-2023-1.pdf
Die International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Europe zitiert im Februar 2024 den Kaos GL Jahresbericht 2022. Es sei 2022 erneut zu weit verbreiteter Polizeigewalt, Folter und Misshandlung sowie unrechtmäßiger Inhaftierung, insbesondere bei Demonstrationen gekommen (ILGA Europe, Februar 2024, S. 2).
Das US-amerikanische Außenministerium (US Department of State, USDOS) schreibt im April 2024, dass laut den Berichten von Menschenrechtsverteidiger·innen Mitglieder der Polizei wiederholt versucht hätten, Gewalt bei friedlichen Demonstrationen anzuzetteln, um die Polizeigewalt gegen Demonstrant·innen und deren Inhaftierung zu rechtfertigen. Die Polizei habe die im Zusammenhang mit Pride-Demonstrationen festgenommenen Demonstrierenden und Anwält·innen misshandelt. Einige LGBTIQ*-Personen würden in der Öffentlichkeit keine Regenbogenfarben tragen, aus Angst vor Schikanen durch die Polizei (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).
Amnesty International berichtet im Juni 2023, dass Sicherheitskräfte mit Tränengas und Gummigeschossen auf Pride-Märsche reagieren würden. Am 9. Juni seien 15 Studierende der Middle East Technical University nach einem friedlichen Marsch festgenommen worden. Bei der Trans Pride am 18. Juni 2023 seien zehn Personen von der Polizei festgenommen worden. Sie hätten während ihrer Festnahme „exzessive Gewalt“ erlebt (Amnesty International, 23. Juni 2023). Amnesty International bekräftigt im Mai 2024, dass die türkischen Sicherheitskräfte während des Pride-Monats 2023 willkürliche Gewalt gegen friedliche Demonstrant·innen angewandt hätten. Diese Gewalt sei in einigen Fällen mit Folter gleichzusetzen (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 1). Friedliche Demonstrant·innen seien von Polizist·innen geschlagen und getreten worden (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 7). Amnesty International habe ein Video eines Journalisten gesehen, das zeige, wie zwei bereits festgenommene Demonstrant·innen von Polizist·innen auf den Boden geworfen und getreten worden seien. Laut einer Aktivistin, die an diesem Tag festgenommen worden sei, hätten Polizist·innen sie am ganzen Körper getreten. Sie sei auch wiederholt auf den Kopf geschlagen worden. Sie sei an den Haaren gezogen und verbal erniedrigt worden. Sie sei auf den Boden gedrückt worden und hätte Todesangst empfunden (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 10-11). Laut einer LGBTIQ*-Aktivistin seien am 25. Juni 2023, an dem ein Protest stattgefunden habe, auch Personen festgenommen worden, die sich in anderen Stadtteilen befunden hätten. Sie sei eine davon gewesen. Die Personen seien rein aufgrund ihres Aussehens (Tätowierungen, gefärbte Haare) und ihrer wahrgenommen sexuellen Orientierung oder Geschlechtsidentität festgenommen worden (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 9).
Daily Mail berichtet im Juli 2023 von Miguel Alvaro, einem portugiesischen Touristen, der am 25. Juni 2024 in Istanbul aufgrund seines Aussehens verhaftet worden sei. Herr Alvaro sei homosexuell, habe jedoch nichts von der stattfindenden Pride-Parade gewusst. Er sei von Polizist·innen geschlagen, fünf Stunden ohne Informationen im Polizeiwagen festgehalten worden und schließlich 20 Tage inhaftiert gewesen (Daily Mail, 21. Juli 2023).
Kaos GL berichtet im Februar 2024 von den Folgen eines von der Istanbul Trans Pride Week organisierten Protestes vor dem Süreyya Opernhaus. Elf Personen, die an dem Protest teilgenommen hätten, seien „unter Folter“ festgenommen worden. Laut einer/m festgenommenen Menschenrechtsaktivist·in seien die Festgenommenen im Polizeifahrzeug verbal belästigt und „gefoltert“ worden. Sie seien von der Polizei geohrfeigt und mit Fäusten ins Gesicht geschlagen worden. Die Hände seien dabei auf dem Rücken in Handschellen gelegt worden. Auch ein/e weitere/r Aktivist·in berichtet gegenüber Kaos GL von der Polizei auf den Kopf geschlagen worden zu sein. Der/Die Aktivist·in sei beim Einsteigen in das Polizeifahrzeug in den Rücken getreten worden. Er/Sie könne aus diesem Grund zum Zeitpunkt des Interviews nicht gehen. Er/Sie sei so stark ins Gesicht geschlagen worden, dass er/sie seinen/ihren Kiefer nicht bewegen könne. Die verbalen und psychischen Belästigungen hätten bis zum Moment der Freilassung angedauert (Kaos GL, 13. Februar 2024).
Schutz durch Justiz/Sicherheitskräfte bei Gewaltverbrechen von Privatpersonen
Laut Freedom House seien gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehungen in der Türkei nicht gesetzlich verboten. LGBTIQ*-Personen seien jedoch weit verbreiteter Diskriminierung, polizeilichen Schikanen und Gewalt ausgesetzt. Gesetze würden Menschen nicht vor Diskriminierung aufgrund der sexuellen Orientierung oder Geschlechtsidentität schützen (Freedom House, 2024).
Laut der Europäischen Kommission habe die Diskriminierung, Einschüchterung und Gewalt gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen und insbesondere gegen Transgender-Personen unter anderem aufgrund des Fehlens wirksamer strafrechtlicher Sanktionen zugenommen. Die Human Rights and Equality Institution (HREI) bearbeite weiterhin keine Anträge von LGBTIQ*-Personen mit der Begründung, dass die Diskriminierung von LGBTIQ*-Personen nicht in ihren Zuständigkeitsbereich falle (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 42).
Der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen (UN Human Rights Council (HRC)) schreibt in einem Bericht über Gewalt gegen Mädchen und Frauen im Juni 2023, dass weitverbreitete negative Stereotype über Personen mit unterschiedlicher sexueller Orientierung und Geschlechtsidentität, zur „Unsichtbarkeit“ von Gewalt gegen sie führen würden. Die offensichtliche Toleranz der Behörden gegenüber Einschüchterungs- und Gewalthandlungen gegen lesbische, bisexuelle, transsexuelle und intersexuelle Frauen habe wenig dazu beigetragen, Gewalt zu verhindern, und eine unzureichende Datenerfassung erschwere die Bewertung und Bekämpfung der Gewalt gegen diese Gruppe. Opfer würden dazu neigen, den verfügbaren staatlichen Diensten zu misstrauen – oft aufgrund negativer Erfahrungen in der Vergangenheit (HRC, 1. Juni 2023, S. 7-8).
Laut dem USDOS würden Menschenrechtsgruppen zufolge Polizei und Staatsanwaltschaft Fälle von Gewalt gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen häufig nicht verfolgen oder Rechtfertigungen für die Handlungen der Täter·innen akzeptieren. Bei Festnahmen mutmaßlicher Täter·innen, denen Verbrechen gegen LGBTIQ*-Personen vorgeworfen werde, hätten die Angeklagten die Möglichkeit, nach dem Strafgesetzbuch eine „ungerechtfertigte Provokation“ geltend zu machen und eine Strafminderung zu beantragen. Richter·innen würden diese Bestimmung routinemäßig anwenden, um die Strafen von Personen zu reduzieren, die LGBTIQ*-Personen getötet oder angegriffen hätten. Berufungsgerichte würden diese Urteile routinemäßig bestätigten, teilweise basierend auf der „unmoralischen Natur“ des Opfers (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).
Laut dem genannten Bericht von Kaos GL würden Gerichtsverfahren bei Morden von LGBTIQ*-Personen nur langsam behandelt und es komme zu routinemäßiger Verkürzung der Strafen für ungerechtfertigte Provokationen und einer daraus resultierenden Straflosigkeit (Kaos GL, 23. Februar 2024).
Den vollständigen Bericht (auf Türkisch) finden Sie unter folgendem Link:
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Vazgeçmek yok! LGBTI+’Larin Insan Haklari 2023 Yili Raporu, 25. Jänner 2024
https://kaosgldernegi.org/images/library/lgbti-larin-i-nsan-haklari-raporu-2023-1.pdf
Auch im Jahr 2022 sei es der Polizei nicht gelungen, LGBTIQ*-Personen vor Hassverbrechen zu schützen und die meisten Angriffe seien laut Kaos GL ungeahndet geblieben. Eine Reihe von Gerichtsverfahren, bei denen es um LGBTIQ*-feindliche Angriffe oder Mord gegangen sei, seien absichtlich verzögert worden, einige davon über 15 Jahre lang (ILGA Europe, Februar 2024, S. 2).
Das niederländische Außenministerium berichtet in seinem Bericht vom August 2023 über die geplante Eröffnung eines Schönheitssalons in Konya, einer Stadt in Zentralanatolien, durch die Medienpersönlichkeit, Geschäftsfrau und Transfrau Selin Ciğerci. Sie sei von einen transphoben Mob belagert worden. Die Polizei haben die Menge auf Distanz gehalten. Berichten zufolge sei zum Zeitpunkt des Schreibens keiner der Angreifer angeklagt oder strafrechtlich verfolgt worden. Die Transfrau und Journalistin Ajda Ende sei 2011 von einem männlichen Nachbarn verbal angegriffen worden. Die Polizei habe sich damals geweigert, ihre Aussage aufzunehmen. 2019 habe eine Gruppe von Nachbar·innen mit einem Messer gegen Enders Haustür geschlagen. Diesmal habe die Polizei ihre Anzeige bearbeitet, der/die diensthabende Beamt·in habe sie jedoch gefragt, ob sie wisse, dass ihr Aussehen die Ursache ihrer Probleme sei. Die Staatsanwaltschaft habe kein Strafverfahren eingeleitet. Laut einer vom niederländischen Außenministerium interviewten Quelle seien die Mehrheit der LGBTIQ*-Personen, die Ausgrenzung und Gewalt durch ihre Familien erfahren hätten, nicht geneigt, solche Vorfälle bei der Polizei zu melden. Sie hätten Angst, weitere Diskriminierung zu erfahren. Außerdem hätten die meisten LGBTIQ*-Personen wenig oder kein Vertrauen in die Justiz (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 2023, S. 72-74).
Das niederländische Außenministerium beschreibt die Lage von Transgender-Personen in der Türkei mit August 2023 wie folgt: Die Sichtbarkeit als Gruppe habe zur Folge, dass Transgender-Personen Diskriminierung, Ausgrenzung und Aggression ausgesetzt seien. Transgender-Personen seien verschiedenen Formen feindseliger Behandlung ausgesetzt. Sie hätten zum Beispiel Probleme beim Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt. Insbesondere Transfrauen würden sich gezwungen fühlen, als Sexarbeiterinnen zu arbeiten. Transgender-Personen hätten außerdem Schwierigkeiten, Zugang zum Wohnungsmarkt und zur Gesundheitsversorgung zu erhalten. Transgender-Personen hätten zwar das Recht sich an die Behörden zu wenden, um Schutz zu erhalten, würden transphobe Vorfälle jedoch nur selten bei der Polizei melden. Dies sei größtenteils auf den Ruf der Polizei zurückzuführen, gegenüber der Transgender-Gemeinschaft voreingenommen zu sein. Es sei laut dem niederländischen Außenministerium nicht möglich gewesen, eine definitive Antwort darauf zu erhalten, ob Transfrauen mehr Diskriminierung, Ausgrenzung und Gewalt erfahren würden als Transmänner. Laut drei vom niederländischen Außenministerium befragten Quellen sei dies der Fall. Es sei unter anderem auf die größere Sichtbarkeit von Transfrauen zurückzuführen sowie die gesellschaftliche Verurteilung ihrer Entscheidung, „ihrer Männlichkeit abzuschwören“. Das niederländische Außenministerium listet mehrere Fälle von Ausgrenzung, Diskriminierung und Aggression gegenüber transgender Personen, betont jedoch, dass es sich nicht um eine vollständige Liste handle. In Izmir sei Anfang Jänner 2023 die Transfrau Ecem Seçkin bei einem Hassverbrechen ums Leben gekommen. Sie habe als Sexarbeiterin gearbeitet und sei von einem Mann erstochen worden. Im selben Zeitraum sei eine Transfrau in einem Istanbuler Krankenhaus diskriminiert worden. Eine Rezeptionistin habe ihr gesagt, sie aufgrund ihres Aussehens nicht ansehen zu können. Sie habe daraufhin die Polizei gerufen, es seien jedoch keine Beamt·innen gekommen. Sie habe daraufhin eine Beschwerde im Krankenhaus eingereicht. Diese sei behandelt worden, der Ausgang sei jedoch unklar. Laut Kaos GL sei im Februar 2023 eine obdachlose Transfrau, Deniz, tot in Istanbul aufgefunden worden. Sie sie vermutlich an Unterkühlung gestorben. Deniz habe herkömmliche Obdachlosenheime gemieden, da sie dort von transphoben Männern misshandelt worden sei. Frauenhäuser hätten sie nicht aufnehmen können, da ihr Personalausweis gezeigt habe, dass sie männlich sei und Krankhäuser hätten Deniz höchstens für einen Tag aufgenommen. Menschen in ihrer Nachbarschaft hätten versucht, ein Hotelzimmer für sie zu buchen, das Hotel habe sich jedoch geweigert, sie aufzunehmen. Im März 2023 sei Selin Ciğerci, wie oben erwähnt, in Konya von einem transphoben Mob belagert worden. Ciğerci hätte geplant in Konya einen Schönheitssalon zu eröffnen und die betreffende Gruppe habe versucht, dies zu verhindern. Schließlich berichtet das niederländische Außenministerium über die Journalistin Ajda Ender, die als Transfrau seit 2005 Beleidigungen, Belästigungen und Drohungen seitens ihrer Nachbarn in Istanbul habe erdulden müssen (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 2023, S. 72-74).
Laut ILGA Europe sei eine Transfrau im August 2022 in ihrem Haus in Ankara ermordet worden. Im November 2022 sei eine Transfrau in Kocaeli tot aufgefunden worden. Im Laufe des Jahres seien zahllose Hassverbrechen dokumentiert worden. Im Jänner 2023 sei die oben genannte Transfrau Ecem Seçkin bei einem Hassverbrechen ums Leben gekommen. In İzmir Alsancak sei die Transfrau Melis Yağmur Hanzade von einer Gruppe angegriffen worden, die durch die Straßen gezogen sei und zur Einhaltung des islamischen Glaubens aufgerufen habe. Eine Gruppe habe eine an einer Bushaltestelle wartende Transfrau mit einem Feuerlöscher angegriffen und dies als Scherz abgetan (ILGA Europe, Februar 2024, S. 2).
Kaos GL berichtet im Februar 2024 von einem sexuellen Übergriff mit Körperverletzung auf eine/n transsexuelle/n Sexarbeiter·in in Istanbul (Kaos GL, 15. Februar 2024). Im April 2024 seien die Häuser von Transfrauen, die in der Bayram Straße (Istanbul) leben, drei Monate lang versiegelt worden, mit der Begründung, dass Transfrauen aus dem Fenster schauen würden (Kaos GL, 4. April 2024). Im selben Zeitraum sei es in Izmir zu einem Überfall auf Wohnungen von Transfrauen und einen körperlichen Übergriff auf eine Transfrau durch sechs Personen gekommen. Vier der Angreifer·innen seien minderjährig gewesen. Gegen die Minderjährigen gebe es zum Zeitpunkt des Erscheinens des Artikels keine Ermittlungsakte. Gegen die Erwachsenen laufe eine Untersuchung. Laut der Trans+ Initiative sei es zu den Gewalttaten gekommen, weil die Angreifer·innen fälschlicherweise geglaubt hätten, dass Transfrauen, die einem Mann bei einem epileptischen Anfall geholfen hätten, seinen Tod verursacht hätten (Kaos GL, 14. April 2024). Im Juni 2024 hätte zwei Personen die Häuser von Transfrauen in der Bornova Straße (Izmir) mit Schrotflinten angegriffen. Es komme laut Kaos GL weiterhin zu systematischen Angriffen auf Transfrauen in der Gegend (Kaos GL, 4. Juni 2024).
Laut USDOS würde LGBTIQ*-Aktivist·innen zufolge die Polizei Transgender-Personen, die in der kommerziellen Sexindustrie arbeiten, willkürlich festnehmen. Gerichte wie auch Staatsanwälte hätten ein Umfeld der Straflosigkeit für Angriffe auf Transgender-Personen, die in der kommerziellen Sexindustrie tätig sind, geschaffen (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6).
Die Europäische Kommission schreibt im November 2023, dass der Zugang zu geschlechtsangleichenden Operationen sowie zu Gesundheits- und Sozialdiensten für Transpersonen umständlich und problematisch bleibe (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 42).
Zugang zu medizinischer HIV-Behandlung
Laut Informationen der Webseite HIV Travel mit Stand Juni 2021 sei eine HIV-Behandlung für Personen, die bei der türkischen Sozialversicherung registriert seien, kostenlos (HIV Travel, 6. Juni 2021; siehe auch: Pozitif Yaşam Derneği, ohne Datum (a)). In der Türkei seien die meisten antiretroviralen Medikamente erhältlich und könnten rezeptfrei in der Apotheke gekauft werden. Es gebe in jeder Stadt mindestens eine medizinische Forschungs- und Bildungsklinik, die auf Türkisch „Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi“ heiße und die antiretrovirale Behandlungen anbiete. Die folgenden Krankenhäuser würden HIV-Patient·innen aufnehmen und behandeln: Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi (Ankara), Ankara Numune Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi (Ankara), Marmara Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi, Istanbul Üniversitesi Istanbul Tip Fakültesi, SB. Sisli Etfal Egitim ve Arastirma, SB. Haseki Egitim ve Arastirma, SB. Istanbul Egitim ve Arastirma (Istanbul), Ege Tip Fakültesi, IIzmir Atatürk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi (Izmir) (weitere Details siehe Anhang) (HIV Travel, 6. Juni 2021).
Pozitif Yaşam Derneği schreibt auf einem undatierten Beitrag auf ihrer Webseite, dass HIV-Behandlungen in fast allen Forschungs- und Ausbildungskrankenhäusern sowie Universitätskliniken möglich seien. In großen Städten, wie Istanbul, Ankara und Izmir gebe es mehr als ein Zentrum. In einigen Städten, in denen keine Behandlung und Nachuntersuchung verfügbar sei, könnten Patient·innen an ein Behandlungszentrum in der nächstgelegenen Stadt überwiesen werden. Pozitif Yaşam Derneği würde Patietn·innen helfen, das ihnen nächstgelegene Zentrum zu finden. Nachdem ein Behandlungszentrum ausgewählt wurde, sei es notwendig einen Termin in der Poliklinik zu vereinbaren. Dies sei telefonisch sowie online (www.mhrs.gov.tr) möglich. Möglich Zentren würden Ege University HIV/AIDS Research and Application Center, Hacettepe University Treatment and Research Center, Istanbul University’s Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases Clinical Microbiology Polyclinic, Marmara Üniversity Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases und Clinical Microbiology Polyclinic inkludieren. Die Behandlung einer HIV-Infektion sei durch die Richtlinie des Gesundheitsministeriums für die Diagnose und Behandlung von HIV/AIDS standardisiert (Pozitif Yaşam Derneği, ohne Datum (b)).
Die aktuelle Version der genannten Richtlinie auf Türkisch finden Sie unter folgendem Link:
· T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı: HIV/AIDS Tanı Tedavi Rehberic, 2019
https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/depo/birimler/bulasici-hastaliklar-ve-erken-uyari-db/Dokumanlar/Rehberler/HIV-AIDS_Tani-Tedavi_Rehberi_2019.pdf
Pozitif Yaşam Derneği beschreibt auf seiner Webseite die Funktionen der unterschiedlichen Medikamentengruppen, die bei einer HIV-Infektion eingesetzt werden (Nukleosid- und Nukleotidanalog-Reverse-Transkriptase-Inhibitoren NRTI, Nichtnukleosidische Reverse-Transkriptase-Inhibitoren NNRTI, Proteaseinhibitoren PI, Integrase-Inhibitoren, Fusionsinhibitoren FI, Hilfsrezeptor-Inhibitor). Laut Pozitif Yaşam Derneği würden in der Türkei Arzneimittel aus den genannten NRTI-, NNRTI-, PI- und Integrase-Inhibitor-Gruppen verwendet. Bei der Behandlung würden mehrere Medikamente aus diesen Gruppen in Kombination eingesetzt. In den letzten Jahren seien im Land jedoch zunehmend medikamentöse Therapien, sogenannte Einzeltablettentherapien, verschrieben worden, bei denen mehrere Medikamente zusammengeführt würden und eine Tablette alle 24 Stunden eingenommen werde (Pozitif Yaşam Derneği, ohne Datum (c)).
Laut der europäischen Kommission seien Menschen mit HIV Diskriminierung ausgesetzt und hätten weiterhin erhebliche Schwierigkeiten, Zugang zu Gesundheitsinformationen und -diensten zu erhalten (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 94).
Lage von LGBTIQ*-Personen in der kurdischen Gemeinschaft
Middle East Eye (MEE) erklärt, dass die HDP (Demokratische Volkspartei), eine prokurdische linke Oppositionspartei die Rechte von LGBTIQ* langfristig und offen unterstützt habe (MEE, 5. Mai 2023). Gleichzeitig spreche sich die kurdische Hür Dava Partisi (HÜDA-PAR) gegen LGBTIQ*-Rechte aus (Turkish Minute, 28. März 2023).
Medya News schreibt in einem Beitrag vom Mai 2023, dass die LGBTIQ*-Gemeinschaft im kurdischen Teil der Türkei im Untergrund agiere. Es gebe wenige sichere Orte für Mitglieder der Gemeinschaft. Sie würden aus der gesamten Region nach Diyarbakır (auf Kurdisch: Amed) reisen, um sich zu organisieren, Kunstveranstaltungen abzuhalten, zu feiern oder sich mit Freund·innen zu treffen, da es in anderen Städten an sicheren Orten fehle. Bekannte Barrieren der LGBTIQ*-Gemeinschaft würden die kurdische LGBTIQ*-Gemeinschaft in stärkerem Ausmaß betreffen. Der Zugang zu Gesundheitsversorgung und geschlechtsbejahender Betreuung aller Art sei begrenzt, bis gar nicht vorhanden, Entfremdung von der Familie und Obdachlosigkeit seien weit verbreitet und infolgedessen seien viele LGBTIQ*-Personen zur Sexarbeit gezwungen. LGBTIQ*-Organisationen, die in Kurdistan arbeiten, um ihre Gemeinschaft zu unterstützen, seien gezwungen, dies im Geheimen und ohne Finanzierung zu tun und würden kriminalisiert. Kurdische LGBTIQ*-Personen seien einer doppelten Unterdrückung ausgesetzt – der durch den türkischen Staat wegen ihrer kurdischen Identität und der durch den türkischen Staat und durch eine große Mehrheit der kurdischen Bevölkerung wegen ihres Geschlechts („gender“) und/oder ihrer Sexualität (Medya News, 15. Mai 2023).
Medyascope, ein türkisches Online-Nachrichtenportal mit Sitz in Istanbul, veröffentlicht im Jänner 2024 ein Interview mit dem LGBTIQ*-Aktivisten Cüneyt Yılmaz. Laut Yılmaz gebe es auch innerhalb der kurdischen Bewegung viele homophobe Menschen (Medyascope, 3. Jänner 2024).
Kaos GL berichtet im März 2024, dass LGBTIQ*-Personen, die mit einer LGBTIQ*-Fahne an Newroz-Feierlichkeiten [kurdisches Neujahr, Anmerkung ACCORD] in Istanbul und Izmir teilgenommen hätten, von Gruppen, die sich als kurdische Nationalist·innen ausgegeben hätten, verbal und physisch angegriffen worden seien. Trotz des Eingreifens von Parteifunktionären der DEM [Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi], um die angreifende Gruppe zu zerstreuen, seien die LGBTIQ*-Personen gezwungen gewesen, das Gelände zu verlassen. Laut LGBTIQ*-Aktivistin und Parlamentsabgeordnete der Türkischen Arbeiterpartei (TİP) İris Mozalar seien die LGBTIQ*-Personen von Hunderten von Menschen physisch und verbal „gelyncht“ worden. Sie hätten sie geschlagen, mit Steinen beworfen und stundenlang ausgebuht (Kaos GL, 18. März 2024). Laut Medya News sei Ähnliches im Jahr zuvor passiert. LGBTIQ*-Personen seien bei einer Newroz-Feierlichkeit mit der YSP [Yeşil Sol Parti] marschiert und hätten eine Regenbogenfahne geschwenkt. Mitglieder der kurdischen Gemeinschaft hätten sie angegriffen und die Fahne verbrannt (Medya News, 15. Mai 2023). Laut dem niederländischen Außenministerium seien bei einer Newroz-Feier in Diyarbakır LGBTIQ*-Personen mit Messern attackiert worden (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 2023, S. 72).
Lage von kurdischen LGBTIQ*-Personen allgemein
Das Komitee der Istanbul Trans Pride Week habe laut Bianet im Februar 2024 erklärt, dass die Existenz von Kurd·innen und von LGBTIQ*-Personen in der Türkei aufgrund der gleichen Politik geleugnet werde (Bianet, 20. Februar 2024).
Wie oben beschrieben, seien kurdische LGBTIQ*-Personen laut Medya News einer doppelten Unterdrückung ausgesetzt – der durch den türkischen Staat wegen ihrer kurdischen Identität und der durch den türkischen Staat und durch eine große Mehrheit der kurdischen Bevölkerung wegen ihres Geschlechts („gender“) und/oder ihrer Sexualität (Medya News, 15. Mai 2023).
Die Research Association for Democracy, Peace and Alternative Politics (DEMOS Research Association), eine Forschungsvereinigung, die sich auf Friedensforschung und Gender spezialisiert, schreibt in einem Beitrag vom Juni 2022, dass kurdische LGBTIQ*-Personen aus mehr als einem Grund diskriminiert würden. Die Intersektionalität der Diskriminierung führe dazu, dass mehr und neue Diskriminierung entstehe. Kurdische LGBTIQ*-Personen seien speziell Sexismus, Armut und Heteronormativität ausgesetzt. Die LGBTIQ*-Organisation Keskesor Amed in Diyarbakır habe eine Studie über die Diskriminierung von LGBTIQ*-Personen veröffentlicht, für die 75 LGBTIQ*-Personen interviewt worden seien. Die Studie zeige die Dimension der intersektionalen Diskriminierung. LGBTIQ*-Personen aus Diyarbakır seien ethnischer und sprachlicher Diskriminierung sowie Diskriminierung aufgrund der sexuellen Orientierung und Geschlechtsidentität ausgesetzt. Die Auswirkungen des Krieges würden zu Gewalt, Diskriminierung und Ausbeutung führen. LGBTIQ*-Personen in Diyarbakır seien in einer fragilen sozioökonomischen Situation (DEMOS Research Association, 30. Juni 2022).
Den beschriebenen Originalbericht (auf Türkisch), der die Situation von 2013 bis 2018 behandelt, finden Sie unter folgendem Link:
· Keskesor Amed: Yakın Geçmişten Olası Geleceğe Barışı Yeşertmek: 2013-2018 Yılları Arasında Diyarbakır’da Yaşayan LGBTİ+’lar, März 2022
https://turkey.fes.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf-files/2022/keskesor-bakad-barisi-yesertmek.pdf
Kaos GL berichtet im Februar 2024, dass ein kurdischer alevitischer homosexueller Student der Koç-Universität (Istanbul) von zwei anderen Student·innen gefoltert worden sei. Die Universität habe versucht, den Vorfall zu vertuschen (Kaos GL, 15. Februar 2024).
Situation von politisch aktiven kurdischen LGBTIQ*-Personen
Bianet zitiert im Februar 2024 das Komitee der Istanbul Trans Pride Week. Das Komitee bleibe in seinem intersektionalen Kampf standhaft. Homonationalismus [gegen die Existenz von Kurd·innen, Anmerkung ACCORD] im türkischen LGBTIQ*-Aktivismus werde laut dem Komitee keinen Erfolg haben (Bianet, 20. Februar 2024).
Medyascope schreibt im oben erwähnten Artikel vom Jänner 2024, dass einige Gruppen und LGBTIQ*-Personen die LGBTIQ*-Bewegung dafür kritisieren würden, zu sehr auf Augenhöhe mit der kurdischen Bewegung zu stehen. Der oben genannte Aktivist Cüneyt Yılmaz erklärt, dass die Person, die den Slogan „Es gibt Kurdistan, es gibt LGBTIQ*“ geprägt habe, Drohungen und Mobbing in den sozialen Medien erfahren habe. Tausende von Menschen hätten die Beleidigungen und Morddrohungen auf X verteidigt. Andere Slogans ohne Kurdistan-Bezug seien nicht so aufgegriffen worden. Inhalte, in denen es um Kurdistan gehe, würden medial sofort zum Thema gemacht (Medyascope, 3. Jänner 2024).
Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 27. Juni 2024)
· ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zur Türkei: Aktuelle Situation offen schwul lebender Männer: Politische Rhetorik, Polizeigewalt, homophobe Angriffe, gesellschaftliche Diskriminierung [a-12111], 24. März 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2091211.html
· Amnesty International: Türkiye: Istanbul Pride showdown highlights threat to LGBTI rights, 23. Juni 2023
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/06/turkiye-istanbul-pride-showdown-highlights-threat-to-lgbti-rights/
· Amnesty International: Türkiye: 2023 Prides Took Place Amid Discriminatory Restrictions and Abuse of the Rights of Protesters [EUR 44/8049/2024], 17. Mai 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2109424/EUR4480492024ENGLISH.pdf
· Bianet: ‘Kurdistan exists, LGBTI+s exist’, 20. Februar 2024
https://bianet.org/haber/kurdistan-exists-lgbti-s-exist-292126
· Daily Mail: I was beaten up by Turkish police and jailed for 20 days because I 'looked gay', 21. Juli 2023
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12324373/Turkish-police-jailed-man-20-days-looked-gay.html
· DEMOS Research Association – Research Association for Democracy, Peace and Alternative Politics: Kürt LGBTİ+’lar, Yoksulluk ve Barışın Olanakları, 30. Juni 2022
https://demos.org.tr/kurt-lgbtilar-yoksulluk-ve-barisin-olanaklari/
· Europäische Kommission: Türkiye 2023 Report [SWD(2023) 696 final], 8. November 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2101220/SWD_2023_696 Türkiye report.pdf
· Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2024 - Turkey, 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2105043.html
· HIV Travel – The Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions: Turkey -Regulations on Entry, Stay and Residence for PLHIV, 6. Juni 2021
https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=183
· HRC – UN Human Rights Council: Visit to Türkiye; Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences [A/HRC/53/36/Add.1], 1. Juni 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2093579/G2308697.pdf
· ILGA Europe – International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association: Annual Review Of The Human Rights Situation Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, And Intersex People Covering The Period Of January To December 2023, Februar 2024
https://www.ilga-europe.org/files/uploads/2024/02/2024_turkey.pdf
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Vazgeçmek yok! LGBTİ+’LARIN İNSAN HAKLARI 2023 YILI RAPORU, 25. Jänner 2024
https://kaosgldernegi.org/images/library/lgbti-larin-i-nsan-haklari-raporu-2023-1.pdf
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Torture in detention vehicle and an unusual question during the testimony: “Did anyone pressure or encourage you to participate in the protest?”, 13. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/torture-in-detention-vehicle-and-an-unusual-question-during-the-testimony-did-anyone-pressure-or-encourage-you-to-participate-in-the-protest
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of rights against LGBTI+s in January: 2024 began by targeting LGBTI+s, 15. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-january-2024-began-by-targeting-lgbti-s
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: LGBTI+ Community in 2023: Pervasive anti-LGBTI+ propaganda in the public sphere, 23. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/lgbti-community-in-2023-pervasive-anti-lgbti-propaganda-in-the-public-sphere
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Attacks on LGBTI+'s in İstanbul and İzmir Newroz celebrations!, 18. März 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/attacks-on-lgbti-s-in-istanbul-and-izmir-newroz-celebrations
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of rights against LGBTI+s in March: Trans women’s houses were sealed, Bayram Street 12 Platform made a call for solidarity, 4. April 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-march-trans-women-s-houses-were-sealed-bayram-street-12-platform-made-a-call-for-solidarity
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Following the attacks against trans women on Bornova Street, 6 people were detained, 15. April 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/following-the-attacks-against-trans-women-on-bornova-street-6-people-were-detained
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of Rights against LGBTI+s in May: In the diaries of politicians, you won’t find accounts of people attacking trans women with shotguns, but you will see mentions of a Eurovision winner, 4. Juni 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-may-in-the-diaries-of-politicians-you-won-t-find-accounts-of-people-attacking-trans-women-with-shotguns-but-you-will-see-mentions-of-a-eurovision-winner
· Keskesor Amed: Yakın Geçmişten Olası Geleceğe Barışı Yeşertmek: 2013-2018 Yılları Arasında Diyarbakır’da Yaşayan LGBTİ+’lar, März 2022
https://turkey.fes.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf-files/2022/keskesor-bakad-barisi-yesertmek.pdf
· Medya News: Election Diaries – 9: Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ community in Turkey, 15. Mai 2023
https://medyanews.net/election-diaries-9-challenges-faced-by-lgbtq-community-in-turkey/
· Medyascope: Kürt hareketine yakın LGBTİ+’lar anlatıyor: “Resmî ideoloji Kürtleri de LGBTİ+’ları da istemiyor”, 3. Jänner 2024
https://medyascope.tv/2024/01/03/kurt-hareketine-yakin-lgbtilar-anlatiyor-kurdistan-da-var-lgbtilar-da/
· MEE – Middle East Eye: Turkey elections: LGBTQ+ community used as a political football as polling day nears, 5. Mai 2023
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-elections-lgbtq-community-political-football
· Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs: General Country of Origin Information Report on Türkiye, August 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2100485/General+COI+report+Turkiye+%28August+2023%29.pdf
· Pozitif Yaşam Derneği: HIV Infection in Turkey, ohne Datum (a)
https://www.pozitifyasam.org/en/hiv-infection-in-turkey/#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20suppressive%20medications%20used,have%20health%20coverage%20in%20Turkey.
· Pozitif Yaşam Derneği: Access to Treatment, ohne Datum (b)
https://www.pozitifyasam.org/en/access-to-treatment/
· Pozitif Yaşam Derneği: HIV Enfeksiyonu Tedavisinde Kullanılan İlaçlar, ohne Datum (c)
https://www.pozitifyasam.org/hiv-enfeksiyonu-tedavisinde-kullanilan-ilaclar/
· T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı: HIV/AIDS Tanı Tedavi Rehberic, 2019
https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/depo/birimler/bulasici-hastaliklar-ve-erken-uyari-db/Dokumanlar/Rehberler/HIV-AIDS_Tani-Tedavi_Rehberi_2019.pdf
· Turkish Minute: AKP-MHP bloc under fire for allying with radical Islamist HÜDA-PAR for elections, 28. März 2023
https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/03/28/akp-mhp-bloc-under-fire-ally-with-radical-islamist-hudapar-for-election/
· USDOS – US Department of State: 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Turkey (Türkiye), 23. April 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2107634.html
Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen
Amnesty International ist eine internationale regierungsunabhängige Menschenrechtsorganisation mit Hauptsitz in London.
· Amnesty International: Türkiye: Istanbul Pride showdown highlights threat to LGBTI rights, 23. Juni 2023
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/06/turkiye-istanbul-pride-showdown-highlights-threat-to-lgbti-rights/
„Discriminatory language by politicians, including high-ranking government officials, targeting LGBTI [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex] people both before and after Türkiye’s recent elections has been accompanied by restrictions and detentions across the country as Pride Month hits its stride.
‘As thousands take to the streets of Istanbul and Izmir in defiance, they risk facing tear gas and rubber bullets. The authorities should allow LGBTI Pride Marches in Türkiye to go ahead safely and without interference,’ said Nils Muižnieks, Amnesty International’s Europe Director. […]
On 18 June, Istanbul’s Trans Pride was blocked by police. When people did try to march, 10 people were detained by the police, who resorted to the use of excessive force while detaining them.
Recent weeks have seen at least 27 LGBTI activists detained across the country. On 9 June, 15 students at the Middle East Technical University were detained after peacefully marching, breaching an ongoing de facto ban on all LGBTI events in Ankara.“ (Amnesty International, 23. Juni 2023)
· Amnesty International: Türkiye: 2023 Prides Took Place Amid Discriminatory Restrictions and Abuse of the Rights of Protesters [EUR 44/8049/2024], 17. Mai 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2109424/EUR4480492024ENGLISH.pdf
„Turkish authorities routinely discriminate and use violence against LGBTI [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex] people. Authorities employ blanket bans and other discriminatory restrictions on peaceful protests, including unnecessary and arbitrary use of force by law enforcement officials in some cases constituting torture and other ill-treatment. High-level public officials use discriminatory speech that entrench harmful gender-based stereotypes and institutional homophobia and transphobia.
Amnesty International analysed state responses to peaceful protests during the 2023 Pride season between 7 June and 9 July, when the authorities banned many public events and the law enforcement officials used unlawful force against peaceful protesters in Türkiye, including the provinces of İstanbul, İzmir, Ankara, Eskişehir and Adana.“ (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 1)
„In İzmir, Adana and Eskişehir, peaceful protesters were arbitrarily detained shortly after gathering. The law enforcement officials used unnecessary force against peaceful protesters by grabbing them to detain and in some cases beating and kicking them in violation of their rights to peaceful assembly and to be free from torture and other ill-treatment.
On 25 June, 52 people, including four lawyers and a child, were arbitrarily detained in Izmir. Accounts by Amnesty International’s observers and video footages shared by the activists show that the law enforcement officials contained the protesters and used unnecessary force to detain them as soon as they gathered for the Pride March.“ (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 7)
„One LGBTI activist told Amnesty International that she could not join the protest on 25 June because she was detained after the Istanbul Trans Pride and said, ‘I could not handle it again,’ but she was nevertheless stopped by law enforcement officials on the street in a completely different area from where the protest took place and detained. She said, ‘There were other people coming towards us and they took the people with tattoos and coloured hair, such as blue. The riot police came, and we were arrested. Some of the bystanders started crying. They took everyone completely based on appearances.’ Many others, such as people going out for groceries, were detained from different neighbourhoods based on their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
On 25 June, five foreign nationals who did not participate in the pride events, including two refugees, were also detained and sent to Removal Centers in Istanbul, Erzurum and Şanlıurfa where deportation decisions were issued for all.“ (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 9)
„One video of the incident on 18 June which was reviewed by Amnesty International researchers shows one protester stopping running shortly after and not resisting being stopped by the police officer. […]
The video shot by one of the journalists Amnesty International spoke with, shows two protesters kissing in an act of resistance after they were detained, brought to the side street, and then contained by the law enforcement officials including the riot police. Suddenly a police officer grabs and throws one of them on the floor, and at least four police officers start kicking them on the floor as it is clear from their bodily movements. The journalist recording this attack was removed immediately and there were no eyewitnesses left to observe what the people endured after. The containment through multiple layers of law enforcement officials on the street was used to intimidate the protesters and to push journalists and observers out to ensure the use of force was invisible.
Two people who were detained that day provided detailed information to Amnesty International regarding the torture and other ill-treatment that law enforcement officials subjected them to. Veronika, a LGBTI rights activist, said:
‘It was one of the moments in my life where I felt the most helpless. I was kicked all around my body. They hit my head too many times. I thought they will cripple us, or they were trying to kill us. [A high-level police officer] pulled my hair, dragged me by forcing my head up and down, while he screamed ‘aren’t you a faggot (ibne), what kind of a faggot are you? You cannot hold your head up in front of the state. You must kneel down’ as I was in handcuffs. When they first pressed my head on the floor, I felt like George Floyd in the US and thought I was going to die. I told them I cannot breathe, and the police told me ‘What happened you were licking each other a moment ago.’ The more we said we are not resisting, the more they hit.’“ (Amnesty International, 17. Mai 2024, S. 10-11)
Bianet ist eine unabhängige Nachrichtenquelle mit Sitz in Istanbul, die sich auf Menschenrechtsjournalismus spezialisiert hat.
· Bianet: ‘Kurdistan exists, LGBTI+s exist’, 20. Februar 2024
https://bianet.org/haber/kurdistan-exists-lgbti-s-exist-292126
„The İstanbul Trans Pride Week Committee has said that the increasing discrimination, hate speech, and nationalism in Turkey, especially since 2015, are not independent of the political context and that they remain steadfast in their intersectional struggles.
Having organized the 9th Trans Pride March on June 18th last year, marking Trans Equality Day, and now coordinating the 10th Trans Pride Week, the committee emphasized that the existence of Kurds and LGBTI+s [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex and more] is denied in Turkey due to the same policies.
Drawing attention to the naming and impunity policies specific to Kurds and LGBTI+ issues, the committee's statement can be summarized as follows:
‘We believe that the reactions to slogans about Kurdistan shouted at LGBTI+ events in the last few years are not independent of the political context. We are releasing this statement to both voice our opposition to this trend and emphasize that homonationalism will not succeed in Turkish LGBTI+ activism.“ (Bianet, 20. Februar 2024)
Daily Mail ist eine britische Boulevardzeitung.
· Daily Mail: I was beaten up by Turkish police and jailed for 20 days because I 'looked gay', 21. Juli 2023
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12324373/Turkish-police-jailed-man-20-days-looked-gay.html
„A tourist has told of his ordeal at the hands of Turkish police who he says arrested him because he 'looked gay' before allegedly detaining him for 20 days.
Miguel Alvaro, who is from Portugal, was on holiday alone in Istanbul on June 25 when he went out to meet a friend for lunch, and, unfamiliar with the city, asked officers for directions.
To his horror, the holidaymaker said he was surrounded by up to eight officers and was immediately arrested, PinkNews reports.
'They grabbed my arms and I tried to free myself. One of them hit me in the ribs, they pushed me against a van, they hit me on the shoulder, which started to bleed,' he recalled.
Mr Alvaro, who is gay, was unaware that an unsanctioned Pride parade was going on nearby, and was being met with a heavy police presence.
'After five hours in the police van, in which I was only told to shut up and be quiet, one of them explained to me that he had been detained because of my appearance,' he told Portuguese outlet P3.
'They thought I would participate in an unauthorised LGBTI+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex and more] march that was going to take place nearby because I looked gay. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.'“ (Daily Mail, 21. Juli 2023)
Die Europäische Kommission ist ein supranationales Organ der Europäischen Union (EU). Im politischen System der EU nimmt sie vor allem Aufgaben der Exekutive wahr.
· Europäische Kommission: Türkiye 2023 Report [SWD(2023) 696 final], 8. November 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2101220/SWD_2023_696 Türkiye report.pdf
„There were allegations of discrimination by prison authorities, especially against LGBTIQ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex Queer] persons. There was no improvement regarding investigations into allegations of suicides, strip-searches and discriminatory behaviour by prison guards.“ (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 31)
„Discrimination, intimidation and violence against the LGBTIQ community and especially transgender persons increased, in part due to the lack of effective criminal sanctions. Several court cases related to LGBTIQ persons who were murdered or seriously assaulted continued. Access to gender reassignment surgery and to health and social services remained cumbersome and problematic for trans persons. LGBTIQ prisoners suffered discrimination and solitary confinement. LGBTIQ activities, marches and pride parades were banned in several provinces and police intervened to disperse participants.
The appeal case against the Middle East Technical University (METU) students who took part in a pride gathering on the university campus in May 2019 continued. A new court case was launched against METU students for their participation in the pride march of 2022. The court case against the former executives of the Ankara Bar Association for criticising the Diyanet’s president’s homophobic speech continued. A court case against the Izmir Bar Association’s former president and ten board members started in April 2023 on charges of insulting religious values, due to the statement they issued on their official website against the discriminatory Friday sermon of the president of religious affairs against private life, different life preferences and LGBTIQ individuals. The Human Rights and Equality Institution (HREI) continued to not process applications by LGBTIQ persons on the grounds that it does not consider discrimination against LGBTIQ to be within its remit, because the law establishing the HREI does not consider ‘sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination’ to be a criterion for discrimination.“ (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 42)
„On health inequalities, vulnerable groups namely LGBTIQ persons, people living with HIV and sex workers as well as refugees are subject to discrimination and continue to face significant challenges to access healthcare information and services.“ (Europäische Kommission, 8. November 2023, S. 94)
Freedom House ist eine in den USA ansässige Nichtregierungsorganisation, die sich mit Recherchen und Advocacy-Arbeit zu Demokratie, politischen Freiheiten und Menschenrechten befasst.
· Freedom House: Freedom in the World 2024 - Turkey, 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2105043.html
„While same-sex relations are not legally prohibited, LGBT+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and more] people face widespread discrimination, police harassment, and violence. Laws do not protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT+ people are banned from serving in the military.“ (Freedom House, 2024)
HIV Travel ist eine globale Datenbank zu HIV-spezifischen Reise- und Aufenthaltsbeschränkungen.
· HIV Travel – The Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions: Turkey -Regulations on Entry, Stay and Residence for PLHIV, 6. Juni 2021
https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=183
„HIV treatment information for Turkey
Foreigners have to pay for medication and hospital expenses in Turkey unless they have a Turkish Social Security registration. However, emergency treatment for general health problems is free – this does not apply to HIV-related treatment.
Currently, most antiretroviral drugs are available in Turkey. One can buy all medications in a pharmacy without prescription.
The following hospitals admit and treat patients with HIV. Some of these hospitals are University clinics, others are State hospitals. In every city, there is at least one Medicine Research and Education Clinic so called ‘Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi’ in Turkish where antiretroviral treatment is available.
(Source: 2)
Ankara
Istanbul
Izmir
Der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen (UN Human Rights Council (HRC)), ist ein zwischenstaatliches Gremium innerhalb der Vereinten Nationen, das sich für die Förderung und den Schutz der Menschenrechte weltweit einsetzt.
· HRC – UN Human Rights Council: Visit to Türkiye; Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences [A/HRC/53/36/Add.1], 1. Juni 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2093579/G2308697.pdf
„Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women
34. Pervasive negative stereotypes about persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity persist, leading to the ‘invisibility’ of violence against lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women. Transgender women, in particular foreign sex workers, are reportedly at higher risk of violence. The apparent tolerance of acts of intimidation and violence against lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women by the authorities has done little to prevent it, and insufficient data collection makes it difficult to assess and address the violence against this group. Victims tend to mistrust available government-provided services – often owing to negative past experiences – therefore civil society organizations and their services are the main or sole providers of shelters, psychosocial and health-care support. There are also indications that lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women in detention are at heightened risk of discrimination.“ (HRC, 1. Juni 2023, S. 7-8)
Die International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), 1978 gegründet und mit Sitz in der Schweiz, ist ein Zusammenschluss von Organisationen, die sich für gleiche Rechte für lesbische, schwule, bisexuelle, transsexuelle und intersexuelle Personen einsetzen.
· ILGA Europe – International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association: Annual Review Of The Human Rights Situation Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, And Intersex People Covering The Period Of January To December 2023, Februar 2024
https://www.ilga-europe.org/files/uploads/2024/02/2024_turkey.pdf
„Kaos GL’s [Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association] annual monitoring report found that 2022 again was characterised by widespread police violence, torture and ill-treatment, and unlawful detention, particularly at demonstrations. At least 571 LGBTI+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex and more] activists were detained in one year. At the same time, the police failed to protect LGBTI+ people from hate crimes and most attacks remained without sanctions. 2022 was also a year where the government made relentless efforts to eliminate LGBTI+ people and topics from the public sphere, through bans and censorship. A trans woman was murdered in her home in Ankara in August. A trans woman was found dead in Kocaeli in November. Countless hate crimes were documented throughout the year. On 5 January 2023, in the early hours of the morning in the Alsancak district of Izmir, trans woman Ecem Seçkin was murdered with a hate motive. In İzmir Alsancak, trans woman Melis Yağmur Hanzade was attacked by a group wandering the streets, calling for the observance of the Islamic faith. There is no information that the perpetrators were caught. A group attacked a trans woman waiting at a bus stop with a fire extinguisher. Those arrested said they did it ‘as a joke’. (here) Reactionary and anti-LGBTI+ groups tried to attack a breakfast organised by the LGBTI+ Rights Commission of the Izmir Bar Association as part of Pride Week activities. The group raised the takbir and used insulting and threatening words against the lawyers. The police did not intervene against the group (see here, here). […]
A number of court cases, focusing on anti-LGBTI+ attacks or murder, continued to be pending or deliberately stalled this year […] some for over 15 years.“ (ILGA Europe, Februar 2024, S. 2)
Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association oder KAOS GL (türkisch: Kaos Gey ve Lezbiyen Kültürel Araştırmalar ve Dayanışma Derneği) ist eine der ältesten und größten LGBTI+ Organisationen in der Türkei.
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Torture in detention vehicle and an unusual question during the testimony: “Did anyone pressure or encourage you to participate in the protest?”, 13. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/torture-in-detention-vehicle-and-an-unusual-question-during-the-testimony-did-anyone-pressure-or-encourage-you-to-participate-in-the-protest
„The police attacked the protest organized by İstanbul Trans Pride Week in front of the Süreyya Opera House on Saturday February, 10. Eleven people who took part in the protest were detained under torture. Lawyers and journalists remained outside the circle formed by police. Speaking to KaosGL.org, human rights defenders described the torture inside the detention vehicle.
Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Association (SPoD) lawyer Burcu Uçuran said the torture continued inside the police van and that they reserved the right to file a complaint.
Yağmur, one of the rights defenders who participated in the protest, stated that the torture continued in the detention vehicle after they were handcuffed behind their backs:
‘We were verbally harassed and tortured at first. Having been subjected to transphobic and moralistic discourses, we were physically assaulted by the police inside the detention vehicle on the way to the hospital where we were to be examined. I was slapped and punched in the eye, ear and nose. I was handcuffed behind my back at the time, so I had no chance to defend myself. My ear and eyes are swollen and I have numbness in the fingers of my left hand because I was handcuffed behind my back. While this torture was taking place in the vehicle, verbal harassment and violence continued. In addition to the physical torture inflicted on us, the psychological dimension of all this is very tiring and exhausting.’
‘Verbal and psychological harassment continued until the moment of release’
Çağıl was among the human rights defenders who took part in the protest and were detained under torture. Çağıl explained that they had gathered in front of the Süreyya Opera House to protest against inequalities and all rights violations as a result of the earthquake:
‘In the early hours of the morning we were confronted by hundreds of policemen, that is to say a hundred times more than those who protested. We entered the area with the plain clothes policemen who had been behind us for hours, overcoming the blockade they had created, to say that we are here despite you and that your bans are unlawful. We were denied access to the press, lawyers and our friends inside the blockade. I was handcuffed behind my back, leaned against the detention vehicle and hit on the head several times. I was told to bow down before the state and while a police was grabbing me by the head and bend me downward, the other one hit me hard on the head with his thigh. I was kicked in the back while getting into the vehicle. That’s why I can’t walk now. I was punched in the nose, on the left and right side of my face, I can't move my jaw because of the blow on the left side, I’ve been consuming liquid foods for a few days. The verbal and psychological harassment continued from the moment of arrest until the moment of release.‘“ (Kaos GL, 13. Februar 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of rights against LGBTI+s in January: 2024 began by targeting LGBTI+s, 15. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-january-2024-began-by-targeting-lgbti-s
„Assault and sexual attack on transgender sex worker: The assault, which took place in Levent, İstanbul, came to light through a video recorded by third parties. […]
Koç University covers up torture of student: Koç University’s response to the torture inflicted on a student (F.B.) by two others, allegedly because of the victim’s Alevi, Kurdish, and homosexual identity, was to cover it up. The university’s handling of the torture sparked debates on social justice and human rights.“ (Kaos GL, 15. Februar 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: LGBTI+ Community in 2023: Pervasive anti-LGBTI+ propaganda in the public sphere, 23. Februar 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/lgbti-community-in-2023-pervasive-anti-lgbti-propaganda-in-the-public-sphere
„Some of the key findings of the report are as follows:
*Violations of the right to life manifested as hate crimes. However, the slow pace of the judicial process regarding murders of LGBTI+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex and more] individuals, the routine reduction of sentences for unjust provocation without justification, and the ensuing impunity constitute a violation of the obligation of effective investigation, which is also a procedural aspect of the right to life.
*The degrading or ill-treatment practices employed by public authorities to suppress the exercise of the right to assembly by LGBTI+ individuals resulted in ongoing systematic violations of the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment. Nearly one-third of the violations of the right to personal integrity against LGBTI+ individuals were directly linked to acts of violence perpetrated by public officials.“ (Kaos GL, 23. Februar 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Attacks on LGBTI+'s in İstanbul and İzmir Newroz celebrations!, 18. März 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/attacks-on-lgbti-s-in-istanbul-and-izmir-newroz-celebrations
„Yesterday (March 17), LGBTI+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex and more] individuals seeking to join Newroz festivities in İstanbul and İzmir, displaying LGBTI+ flags, were subjected to attacks by groups purporting to be Kurdish nationalists.
According to the report of the Bianet; a group of LGBTI+ individuals, attempting to enter the rally area, faced verbal and physical violence from a group within the crowd. Despite intervention by DEM [Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi] Party officials to disperse the attacking group, the LGBTI+ individuals were forced to leave the rally area. LGBTI+ activist and Turkey Workers' Party (TİP) Member of Parliament, İris Mozalar, stated: ‘As a handful of LGBTI+ individuals in the Newroz area, we were physically and verbally lynched by hundreds of people. We were punched and pelted with stones while holding children and babies in our arms. We were booed for hours.‘“ (Kaos GL, 18. März 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of rights against LGBTI+s in March: Trans women’s houses were sealed, Bayram Street 12 Platform made a call for solidarity, 4. April 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-march-trans-women-s-houses-were-sealed-bayram-street-12-platform-made-a-call-for-solidarity
„Houses were sealed on Bayram Street: The houses of trans women living on Bayram Street were sealed for three months. The justification is that trans women were ‘looking out of the window’. Following the incident, trans women whose houses were sealed announced that they established Bayram Street 12 Platform.“ (Kaos GL, 4. April 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Following the attacks against trans women on Bornova Street, 6 people were detained, 15. April 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/following-the-attacks-against-trans-women-on-bornova-street-6-people-were-detained
„Six people were taken into custody from the group responsible for assaulting trans women’s residences on Bornova Street in Alsancak, Izmir, and physically assaulting a trans woman on April 10th.
Lawyer Zeynep Yavuz, also a volunteer of the November 20 Trans+ Initiative, shared the latest updates with KaosGL.org.
Yavuz stated that the perpetrators of the attack against trans women on Bornova Street were detained and brought to the courthouse and added:
‘In the case file, there are 6 people, with 4 of them being minors coerced into the crime. The remaining 2 are adults. As the physical file has not yet reached the prosecutor, he was only able to provide information based on what was conveyed to him. Currently, there is no investigation file for the minors, but an investigation is underway for the two adults.’
Yavuz mentioned that the swift initiation of the legal process is a positive step: ‘As of now, there is no information regarding judicial control or arrest. The prompt opening of the file is a positive development, possibly influenced by public pressure. The victim has already identified the perpetrators, and there are videos clearly capturing their faces. With this evidence, I believe the prosecutor will proceed with the case.’
What happened?
On April 10, Wednesday, a group launched an attack on trans women in and around Bornova Street, located in the Konak district of Izmir. The attackers physically assaulted a trans woman, as captured in footage, and forcibly took her phone and wallet. Subsequently, the group targeted the residences of trans women residing on Bornova Street, pelting their houses with stones.
Ani, from November 20 Trans+ Initiative had told the followings regarding the attack:
‘The assault on the residences was premeditated and coordinated. The assailants mistakenly believed that trans women aiding a man experiencing an epileptic seizure had caused his demise, sparking a chaotic confrontation. Sensing the escalating danger, the women retreated to their homes, fearing further violence. In a targeted spree, the assailants then sought out trans women on the streets. Açelya, who was assaulted and robbed, was leaving a local hair salon during the attack.’“ (Kaos GL, 14. April 2024)
· Kaos GL – Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association: Violation of Rights against LGBTI+s in May: In the diaries of politicians, you won’t find accounts of people attacking trans women with shotguns, but you will see mentions of a Eurovision winner, 4. Juni 2024
https://kaosgl.org/en/single-news/violation-of-rights-against-lgbti-s-in-may-in-the-diaries-of-politicians-you-won-t-find-accounts-of-people-attacking-trans-women-with-shotguns-but-you-will-see-mentions-of-a-eurovision-winner
„Shotgun attack on Bornova Street: Two people attacked the houses of trans women with shotguns in Bornova Street and its neighbourhood where systematic attacks on trans women continue.“ (Kaos GL, 4. Juni 2024)
Das Portal Medya News veröffentlicht laut eigenen Angaben Nachrichten über Kurden und andere unterdrückte Völker auf Englisch, um sie einem internationalen Publikum zugänglich zu machen.
· Medya News: Election Diaries – 9: Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ community in Turkey, 15. Mai 2023
https://medyanews.net/election-diaries-9-challenges-faced-by-lgbtq-community-in-turkey/
„The LGBTQ+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer and more] community here operate underground – organising, loving each other, supporting one another, and fighting for their rights are all done in clandestine meetings and, at least in Kurdistan, without government or public support or funding. So few are the safe spaces in Kurdistan, that members of the community travel from all over the region to Amed to organise, hold arts events, party, and meet with friends – due to an absence of safe spaces in their own cities.
Familiar barriers face the trans community specifically, the LGBTQ+ community more widely, and more acutely impact the Kurdish queer community. Access to healthcare and gender affirming care of all kinds is limited if non-existent, estrangement from family and homelessness is common, and as a result many LGBTQ+ people are forced into sex-work and have nowhere to turn. On top of this, any LGBTQ+ organisations working in Kurdistan to support their community are forced to do so in secret, without funding, and face criminalisation, so any form of support is incredibly difficult to access. They also face a double oppression – that of the Turkish state for their Kurdish identities, and that of both the Turkish state and a large majority of the Kurdish population for their genders and/or sexualities. […]
They told us that at Newroz (a Kurdish Spring festival which takes place on 20 March) this year, a queer bloc marched with the YSP [Yeşil Sol Parti] waving a rainbow flag. Members of the Kurdish community attacked them, and burned the flag.“ (Medya News, 15. Mai 2023)
Middle East Eye (MEE) ist eine in London ansässige Online-Nachrichtenorganisation, die Artikel freiberuflicher Journalist·innen und Beiträge von Think Tanks veröffentlicht.
· MEE – Middle East Eye: Turkey elections: LGBTQ+ community used as a political football as polling day nears, 5. Mai 2023
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-elections-lgbtq-community-political-football
„The HDP (People's Democracy Party) is a pro-Kurdish leftist party that is supporting the opposition in the 14 May elections, although they are not formally part of the alliance.
Despite Erdogan's assertions, the opposition political parties' attitudes to the issue are less than clear, with arguably only the HDP having unambiguously and openly supported LGBTQ+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer and more] rights in the longterm.“ (MEE, 5. Mai 2023)
Das Außenministerium der Niederlande (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, BZ) ist die Regierungsbehörde der Niederlande, die für die auswärtigen Angelegenheiten des Landes zuständig ist.
· Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs: General Country of Origin Information Report on Türkiye, August 2023
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2100485/General+COI+report+Turkiye+%28August+2023%29.pdf
„On 21 March 2023, LGBTIQ+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex Queer and more] individuals were attacked with knives during the Newroz (Kurdish New Year) festivities in Diyarbakır (Consult Section 5.4 for further details about the significance of this celebration). The assailants, who claimed to be nationalist Kurds, demanded that the LGBTIQ+ individuals stop waving their rainbow flags. The Human Rights Association (İHD), the Diyarbakır bar association, and two local LGBTIQ+ rights organisations were among those who condemned this attack. According to one source, complaints had been filed and a criminal investigation was under way.
When questioned, two sources stated that no details are available concerning the true scope of honour-related attacks against LGBTIQ+ individuals. Furthermore, one source pointed out that the majority of LGBTIQ+ individuals who faced exclusion and violence from their families were not inclined to report such incidents to the police. They were worried about encountering more discrimination, in this instance from the police officers on duty at the time. According to the same source, another reason was that most LGBTIQ+ individuals had little or no faith in the judicial process.
8.4 The situation regarding transgender individuals
Their visibility as a group meant that transgender individuals faced discrimination, exclusion, and aggression. Transgender individuals were subjected to various forms of hostile or disrespectful treatment. For instance, transgender individuals faced barriers when seeking to access the labour market, and trans women, in particular, felt compelled to engage in illegal sex work. Transgender individuals often found it difficult to access the housing market and healthcare.
Transgender individuals are legally entitled to contact the authorities for protection. However, in reality, transgender individuals seldom reported transphobic incidents to the police, largely because of the police’s own reputation for bias against the transgender community.
It was not possible to obtain definitive answers about whether trans women experienced more discrimination, exclusion, and violence than trans men. According to three sources, trans women suffered more discrimination, exclusion, and violence. They attributed this to a variety of factors. Trans women’s greater visibility caused them to experience more transphobia than trans men. The increased level of transphobia they suffered was also attributed to society’s condemnation of their decision to ‘renounce their masculinity’. Türkiye is a patriarchal society, so there is purportedly more acceptance of trans men than trans women. According to another source, while trans women may have had higher visibility and, consequently, more media coverage of their issues, it does not necessarily follow that trans men faced fewer challenges.
Various instances of exclusion of and discrimination and aggression against transgender individuals during the current reporting period are described below. These examples are used solely for illustrative purposes. This should certainly not be regarded as a comprehensive list.
In Izmir, on the night of 4 January to 5 January 2023, a hate crime claimed the life of Ecem Seçkin, a trans woman. She had been making a living as a sex worker. She was stabbed to death by a man, purportedly one of her clients. The suspect was charged with murder. The initial hearing was scheduled for 16 June 2023.
On 18 January 2023, a trans woman known only by the initials S.A. experienced discrimination in an Istanbul hospital. When she arrived at the reception desk, she could not make out what the receptionist was saying, as that person avoided making eye contact and spoke while looking downwards. When S.A. mentioned that she could not hear what the hospital receptionist was saying, the latter responded as follows: ‘I don’t think you know what you look like, I just can’t bring myself to look at you’. S.A. then called the police to file an official complaint, but no officers arrived. The trans woman then lodged a complaint with Patient Rights Unit. The hospital’s management later declared its intention to deal with the employee in question, but gave no details of the disciplinary actions to be taken.
Kaos GL, a LGBTIQ+ rights organisation, reported that a homeless trans woman had been found dead in an Istanbul street on 11 February 2023. Deniz, a trans woman known only by her first name, had steered clear of conventional homeless shelters after being abused by transphobic men in these facilities. However, women’s shelters were unable to take her as these facilities are intended for women, and her identity card showed that she was male. Hospitals would admit Deniz for one day at most, and when people in her neighbourhood tried to book a hotel room for her, the hotel refused to admit her. Her death was purportedly due to hypothermia, coupled with health problems.
On 12 March 2023, Selin Ciğerci was besieged by a transphobic mob in Konya, a city in Central Anatolia. This media personality and businesswoman is also a trans woman. Ciğerci had planned to open a beauty salon in Konya, and the group in question were trying to prevent this. The police managed to keep the crowd at a distance. Reportedly, at the time of writing, none of the assailants had been charged or subjected to criminal prosecution. Ciğerci’s beauty salon in Konya was meanwhile up and running.
The challenges encountered by journalist Ajda Ender shed light on the everyday difficulties that transgender individuals in Türkiye might face. Since 2005, this trans woman has endured insults, harassment, and threats from her neighbours in Istanbul. The neighbours claim that she is a ‘prostitute’ who entertained male clients in her apartment. In an interview with Kaos GL [Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association], Ender revealed that she had been verbally abused by a male neighbour in 2011. That individual had subjected her to a barrage of transphobic insults. She wanted to file an official complaint, but the police refused to take her statement. In 2019, a group of neighbours banged a knife against Ender’s front door. This time, the police were prepared to process her official complaint, but the officer on duty at the time said ‘Do you realise that your appearance is the cause of all these problems?’. The public prosecutor ultimately decided not to go ahead with criminal proceedings. On 11 May 2023, however, a court case was initiated against Ender, who was accused of insulting the attorney representing her neighbours. The charges purportedly overlooked her gender identity, instead referring to her as ‘the son of (…)’. Ender found this offensive. At the time of writing, the court case was still pending.“ (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 2023, S. 72-74)
Pozitif Yaşam Derneği ist ein 2005 in Istanbul gegründeter Verein, der Menschen mit HIV unterstützt.
· Pozitif Yaşam Derneği: HIV Infection in Turkey, ohne Datum (a)
https://www.pozitifyasam.org/en/hiv-infection-in-turkey/#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20suppressive%20medications%20used,have%20health%20coverage%20in%20Turkey.
„HIV treatment is now free of charge for patients who have health coverage in Turkey.“ (Pozitif Yaşam Derneği, ohne Datum (a))
· Pozitif Yaşam Derneği: Access to Treatment, ohne Datum (b)
https://www.pozitifyasam.org/en/access-to-treatment/
„Observation and treatment of HIV infection are available at almost all research and training hospitals and university hospitals. When choosing your treatment center, especially if you live in big cities like İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir, and if there are more than one centers in your city, we suggest you choose the most accessible and the closest one to your social life. Remember that HIV infection is a chronic health condition and you’ll have regular follow-ups. You can facilitate your hospital follow-ups by choosing a center close to your work and social life.
In some cities where treatment and follow-up are not available, your doctor can forward you to a treatment center in the closest city. In case of not receiving such forwarding, or forwarded to big cities like İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir, you can contact our association to find out the center closest to you.
HIV infection treatment is standardized by Ministry of Health’s Guideline for HIV/AIDS Diagnosis and Treatment. Follow-ups and treatments in all centers are performed based on this guideline. Doctors also treat the patients as per this guideline.
Unless there’s a specific reason, you can get the same treatment in centers closer to you instead of going to distant cities like İstanbul, Ankara or İzmir.
First thing you must do after choosing your treatment center is to schedule an appointment at the polyclinic. You can schedule an appointment by calling Alo 182 Central Hospital Appointment System, or via its website at www.mhrs.gov.tr. In case you can’t schedule an appointment at Ege University HIV/AIDS Research and Application Center, Hacettepe University Treatment and Research Center, Istanbul University’s Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases Clinical Microbiology Polyclinic, Marmara Üniversity Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Polyclinic, you can call the centers.“ (Pozitif Yaşam Derneği, ohne Datum (b))
Turkish Minute ist eine Website, die Nachrichten über die Türkei in englischer Sprache veröffentlicht.
· Turkish Minute: AKP-MHP bloc under fire for allying with radical Islamist HÜDA-PAR for elections, 28. März 2023
https://www.turkishminute.com/2023/03/28/akp-mhp-bloc-under-fire-ally-with-radical-islamist-hudapar-for-election/
„HÜDA-PAR [Hür Dava Partisi] was founded in 2012 on the ashes of the outlawed Kurdish Hizbullah, an extremist Sunni group that emerged in southeastern Turkey in 1985. The party calls for the constitutional recognition of the Kurds and the Kurdish language and the decentralization of state power and the strengthening of local administration. The party, which is opposed to LGBT [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans] rights, also wants adultery criminalized and religious marriages recognized.“ (Turkish Minute, 28. März 2023)
Das US Department of State (USDOS) ist das US-Außenministerium.
· USDOS – US Department of State: 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Turkey (Türkiye), 23. April 2024
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2107634.html
„LGBTQI+ [Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex Queer and more] individuals experienced discrimination, intimidation, and violent crimes. Human rights groups reported police and prosecutors frequently failed to pursue cases of violence against LGBTQI+ persons or accepted justification for perpetrators’ actions. Human rights defenders reported specific members of the police force repeatedly attempted to instigate violence at peaceful demonstrations to justify police violence against, and detention of, the demonstrators. In June several human rights organizations reported police allegedly abused and mistreated demonstrators and attorneys detained in connection with Pride demonstrations. Some LGBTQI+ persons reported reluctance to wear rainbow colors in public, citing fears of police harassment. When arrests were made of alleged perpetrators accused of committing crimes against LGBTQI+ persons, defendants had the option to claim ‘unjustifiable provocation’ under the penal code and request a reduced sentence. Judges routinely applied this provision to reduce the sentences of persons who killed or assaulted LGBTQI+ individuals. Courts of appeal routinely upheld these verdicts based in part on the ‘immoral nature’ of the victim. Although work in commercial sex was legal in Turkey, LGBTQI+ advocates reported police arbitrarily detained transgender individuals engaged in commercial sex and courts, as well as prosecutors, created an environment of impunity for attacks on transgender persons involved in commercial sex.“ (USDOS, 23. April 2024, Section 6)