By Adeyemi Adekunle
Istanbul witnessed tensions flare on Monday as police detained dozens of protesters aiming to highlight the urgent need for stronger protections for women in Turkey.
The demonstration coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global recognition overshadowed by local realities, including the grim statistic of over 400 women murdered in Turkey this year alone.
The demonstrators had planned to gather on Istiklal Avenue, the city’s iconic pedestrian thoroughfare, but were met with a heavy police presence.
Authorities had set up barricades blocking all access to Istiklal and the nearby Taksim Square, further hampered by the shutdown of several metro stations to deter large crowds. In defiance of the ban on gatherings, protesters rallied to demand accountability and justice in a climate where many feel their safety is at risk.
A focal point of the anger stems from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s controversial 2021 decision to withdraw Turkey from the Istanbul Convention, a landmark European treaty established in 2011 to combat violence against women.
Critics argue that this withdrawal has emboldened perpetrators and weakened protections for victims, igniting public outrage.
As the crowd confronted security forces, chants of “Women will not be silenced!” echoed through the streets, underscoring a growing movement that refuses to be stifled. However, the state’s response highlights a concerning trend of repression against those advocating for human rights in Turkey.
The day ended with dozens apprehended, their cries for justice drowned out by the clamor of a society grappling with the stark reality of gender-based violence.
As protests in Turkey continue to encounter state resistance, the rally stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of activists fighting for their rights.
