Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Will the Reinstatement of the Death Penalty in Turkey Prevent Violence Against Women? | Aylin Unver Noi

Will the Reinstatement of the Death Penalty in Turkey Prevent Violence Against Women?

Since February 11, 2015, Turkey has been shaken by the brutal killing of a 20-year-old university student, Özgecan Aslan, who was allegedly killed after resisting rape. Her death became a rallying cause for activists campaigning to end violence against women in Turkey. Mass demonstrations took place to protest violence against women. Women nationwide have worn black in condemnation of the murder. Not only women but also Turkish men wearing skirts demonstrated in Istanbul to support women's rights in her memory. The slaying of Özgecan revealed the fact that violence against women has increased in recent years in Turkey. Human rights monitor Bianet says 281 women murdered in 2014. The number of murder increased 31 percent in comparison to the previous year. Nine percent of these women had asked for protection from the state. What went wrong and why has violence against women increased in Turkey?

More:Will the Reinstatement of the Death Penalty in Turkey Prevent Violence Against Women? | Aylin Unver Noi