07/11/2025 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
Four activists detained in Ankara on the Trans Day of Remembrance for Victims of Hate Crimes on 20 November 2024 are now facing trial. The hearing will take place on 17 February 2026.
On 20 November 2024, during the Trans Day of Remembrance for Victims of Hate Crimes, activists detained in front of Kolej Metro were charged with “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations.”
The indictment states that the action was “unlawful,” “endangered the life and property of citizens,” and “disrupted public order.”
In the indictment, activists participating in the action were referred to as “individuals affiliated with the LGBTI+ formation.”
A black banner reading “Our mourning is our revolt” and the chant “Life will prevail over hate” were presented as criminal evidence in the indictment.
The first hearing of the case will be held on 17 February 2026 at Ankara 50th Criminal Court of First Instance.
The file of the lawyer detained at the scene was separated, as the lawyer was present at the site due to a bar association assignment for observation purposes.
What happened?
In response to the call by the Ankara Pride Week Committee, police attacked trans activists who wanted to make a press statement and march on the Trans Day of Remembrance for Victims of Hate Crimes on 20 November.
The police did not allow the defenders of trans rights, who had gathered at Kolej Metro, to march or make their press statement. Cutting the press statement short, the police attacked the trans activists. Four people were detained during the police attack, including a lawyer.
While the intense police violence was captured on camera, rights defenders shouted the slogan, “Murdered trans people are our revolt.”
Those detained were released after giving statements at the police station and undergoing medical examinations.
Tags: human rights, women, trans, lgbti
