I already knew transphobic violence is all too common, but I still found these reports from Lambda Istanbul arresting.

From March 10:

Our Transsexual friend Ebru has been stabbed to death at her own apartment on March 10.

We; who have been saying that Transsexual and Transvestite murders are political murders, are going to protest the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual phobic system which does not define “Hate Crimes”, awards the Killers by reducing their prison sentences, does not provide any constitutional rights to Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual, bisexuals, and transvestite population, and makes these type of murders much easier.

To commemorate Ebru and many others like her, We will be having a press conference infront of Ebru’s house on Purtelas street. We are asking all to join us and support us on our cause for a just world for all.

And two days ago:

sorry to post this news,,
2 other transgender women have been murdered and one have been attached.
tomorrow we will make a demo and a press release..

rüzgar
on behalf of lambdaistanbul

“Attacks and murders in Eskisehir, Bursa and Edirne in Turkey”

LGBTT Rights Platform

Press Release, Thursday, 26 March 2009, Turkey

Subject: Attacks and murders in Eskisehir, Bursa and Edirne in Turkey

Homophobic and transphobic violence doesn’t stop: Assault in Eskisehir, murders in Bursa and Edirne!

A transsexual woman was attacked and beaten in Eskisehir. A transsexual woman was found her head cut in Bursa. A man has been killed by his friend on the claim that he asked for sexual intercourse.

There is still no word from the authorities about the cases of Ahmet Yildiz who were shot to death on 15 July 2008 in Istanbul and Dilek Ince who were shot to death on 12 November 2008 in Ankara. While we were in grief after them, another transsexual woman Ebru Soykan was stabbed to death on 10 March 2009 in Istanbul.

We continue to ask the same question again, “When are you going to stop watching?” The murderers, who are encouraged by the silence of the state, continue on their fearless attacks. The recent news from Bursa horrified the LGBTT community in Turkey. We are in great sorrow after these brutal attacks.

Human rights violations against LGBTT individuals continue in the form of violation of rights to life

Because crimes against LGBTT individuals are not punished!

Killers are being awarded with grievous provocation decreases in punishment!

LGBTT individuals are being excluded and isolated through hate speech!

LGBTT individuals forced into isolation are represented as lives with no values!

LGBTT individuals are being avoided from their legal rights and thus unprotected!

We are worried!

Because the government does not take action to enact necessary legislation and implementation to avoid human rights violations against LGBTT individuals

We don’t know if there will be any comments on the killings of Ahmet Yildiz and Dilek Ince!

We are worried because we don’t know whether the person who killed Ebru Soykan will be awarded with grievous provocation decrease in punishment!

We are not sure if the brutal murder in Bursa will be solved, or not!

We are concerned, because the government makes LGBTT persons easy targets by watching the attacks on them and thus encourages murderers.

We are concerned, because the government is paving the way for killings by not protecting the right to life of its LGBTT citizens.

We ask!

Until when are you going to stop watching the hate against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite, and Transsexual (LGBTT) individuals?

Until when are you going to stop awarding crimes against LGBTT individuals and encouraging new crimes?

Why are the police departments in Istanbul and Ankara not able to find the murderers of Ahmet Yildiz and Dilek Ince?

Why are there no comments from the Public Prosecutors?

Will the Bursa case be solved?

We wonder if there is an undeclared war against homosexuals and transsexuals in Turkey?

If not, how many others should be killed to make you take action?

We don’t need mercy; we claim our basic human rights:

The right to life of LGBTT individuals must be protected equally with other citizens.

Cases of gay and trans murders must be solved.

Attackers and murderers must be found.

Decreases based on grievous provocation while punishing murderers of gay and trans persons must be abolished.

Crimes against LGBTT individuals must be defined under “hate crimes.”

You are committing crime by watching the murders, not providing right to life and imprisoning LGBTT persons into an unjust life!

LGBTT RIGHTS PLATFORM

Izmir Black Pink Triangle Association
Izmir Transvestite and Transsexual Initiative
Kaos GL Association
Lambdaistanbul LGBTT Solidarity Association
PurpleHand Eskisehir LGBTT Initiative
Pink Life LGBTT Solidarity Association
Diyarbakir Piramid LGBTT Initiative
Lambdaistanbul LGBTT Dayanisma Dernegi

Tel: +90 (0) 212 245 70 68
Istiklâl Caddesi, Katip Celebi Mah. Tel Sok. No: 28/6 Kat:5
Beyoglu - Istanbul
www.lambdaistanbul.org
lambda@lambdaistanbul.org

I also was forwarded a letter from Lambda Istanbul in response to the support they received after the murder of Ebru Dilan. Unlike the above, I don’t know that it’s meant to be public so I won’t reproduce it in full, but I will quote a little inspiring snippet: Transgender community in Istanbul and Ankara are radically strong. I feel that strength when we all march and dance together down the streets during istanbul pride, you should come and join us in 2009!

Photos of Istanbul Pride 2007: