October 25, 2012
IGLYO
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) is strongly condemning the murder of a transgender woman in Antalya, Turkey.
The young woman was attacked by two men with a knife and had her throat slit. She tragically died on the 23rd of October 2012.
This is the second time in months that a woman has been murdered because of her gender identity in Antalya. Neşe Dilşeker was a resident in Antalya for 15 years and was found dead at her house on July 10, 2012. She also had her throat slit.
There have been hateful transphobic street demonstrations with a demand that transgender people should be exiled from Antalya’s Altındağ district.
IGLYO is extremely worried about the safety of transgender people in Turkey. IGLYO hopes the police will thoroughly investigate these crimes and ensure the safety of transgender people in Turkey and address the situation in Antalya.
IGLYO urges the Turkish Government, as a candidate of the European Union to ensure the protection of citizens regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. As an official candidate of the European Union, Turkey would have obligations to protect the human rights of LGBTQI people.
As a voice of LGBTQ youth and students in the pan-European region and beyond its borders, IGLYO has always supported diversity, equality and acceptance of young people irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
For more information please contact our Communications Officer Patrick Dempsey- patrick@iglyo.com
