Last week trans activists from Ankara based organisation Pembe Hayat were assaulted twice by individuals and groups of transphobic men. On the first occasion the attack happened as a group of activists were filming a documentary on strategic litigation at Selanik Street.  The attacker started to swear at the activists saying “F*** your creator!” and then started to attack the activists with brass knuckles which he pulled out of his pocket. The attacker continued by yelling “Faggots, poofs”. The entire incident was observed by onlookers and passers-by who remained indifferent.
As the attacker started to walk off the incident scene activists pursued him while they called the organization’s lawyer. As activists reached him in a nearby avenue the attacker was joined by three friends. One of them turned to Pembe Hayat staff member Hande Imbat asking “Are you one of them as well? F””k you too,” and started to assault her. Friends of the attacker initially swore and then attacked. Thereafter they fled from the scene.
Pembe Hayat activists and their lawyer went to Esat Police Station and later on submitted assault reports from hospital and pressed charges at the Public Prosecution’s Office.
Also last week Pembe Hayat activists Demhat Aksoy and Cayan Azadi were attacked on Konur Street which is situated in parallel to Selanik Street.
Police, who arrived at the scene of incident, were apathetic to the incident.
Situation of LGBTI community, particularly trans community, remains alarming in Turkey. Public authorities remain indiferent to the request of corganisations and activists to make legal and policy changes in this respect while the government is proactively pursuing a more conservative approach which is further marginalising the LGBTI community.
Source: http://pembehayat.org/anasayfa.php