October 11, 2024
The “We Will Stop Femicide Platform” reported that in Turkey, 34 women were murdered by men, and 20 more died under suspicious circumstances in September alone. (Adem Altan/AFP via Getty Images)
Cited article by Politico
HRRC strongly condemns violence against women in Turkey and worldwide and calls for stronger enforcement of laws to prevent further tragedies.
News Brief
A series of brutal murders of women in Turkey has ignited widespread outrage, compelling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to promise stricter laws. The recent killings, including the horrific murders of İkbal Uzuner and Ayşenur Halil by 19-years-old Semih Çelik have highlighted the urgent need for action against gender-based violence. According to The Monument Counter, a digital platform that updates the unofficial numbers of women killed in the country, 297 women have been killed in 2024 so far. The toll was 416 in 2023.
Protesters have criticized the ruling AK Party for not prioritizing women’s safety, with nearly 300 women murdered in Turkey this year alone. In response, Erdoğan has vowed to toughen the criminal justice system and end early releases for offenders. Despite Erdoğan’s promises, many remain skeptical due to his previous decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at preventing violence against women. Critics argue that existing laws are strong but poorly enforced. Activists continue to demand more effective implementation of the laws.