Women’s Groups Slam “Sexual Torture” Strip Searches as New Judicial Bill Sparks Protests in 20 Turkish Cities
Women’s rights organizations staged protests in 20 cities across Turkey against a proposed judicial bill they say weakens protections for women, as separate allegations emerge that police subjected a detained activist to a forced strip search described as sexual torture.
The Aralık Feminist Collective has vowed to continue its fight against sexual violence, specifically calling strip searches a form of sexual torture and demanding accountability for those who carry out or protect the practice [171357]. The controversy intensified after Fatoş Pınar Türker, a top media executive and civil society leader, was subjected to a “naked search” during detention. Advocacy groups condemned the incident, stating, “Those who ordered this practice should be ashamed,” and demanded an independent investigation, noting that “the ban on torture and ill-treatment is absolute” [170654].
Türker, General Manager of Medya AŞ, is currently on trial in Istanbul on charges related to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. On the 47th day of her trial, she alleged that during her detention, a police officer ordered her to “open your genitals” [169906]. The court has not yet ruled on the claim.
Separately, women’s organizations held protests in 20 cities against the government’s proposed 12th Judicial Package. In a joint statement, the groups called on the state to take responsibility for fighting violence, abuse, child labor, and poverty, arguing the new bill weakens protections for women and children [171359].