On March 8, 2025, a significant Feminist Night March occurred in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, drawing thousands of participants despite police restrictions. Following the event, law enforcement detained over 100 women and LGBTI+ activists, citing the chanting of “banned slogans” as justification for their actions. The event’s aftermath has sparked considerable debate about freedom of expression, the rights of activists, and police conduct during public demonstrations.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of the Feminist Night March |
| 2) Police Detentions and Reactions |
| 3) The Case of LGBTI+ Activist İris Mozalar |
| 4) Public Response and Statements |
| 5) Broader Implications for Activism in Turkey |
Overview of the Feminist Night March
The Feminist Night March is an annual event that has come to symbolize the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality in Turkey. In 2025, the march took place in the vibrant Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, an area noted for its cultural significance and history of activism. Thousands of participants, including women and members of the LGBTI+ community, gathered to voice their demands for justice, equal rights, and an end to violence against women. The event coincided with International Women’s Day, adding another layer of significance to the protests as participants rallied against systemic injustices.
Despite the protest’s peaceful beginnings, the atmosphere shifted when law enforcement intervened. Police had set up barriers around certain groups of demonstrators as the event progressed. Reports indicate that individuals were chanting slogans aimed at government policies and violence against women, which police classified as illicit activity. Activists assert that the march was a legitimate expression of dissent and that such heavy-handed tactics by police are contrary to the principles of democracy and free speech.
Police Detentions and Reactions
Following the conclusion of the march, police encircled a group of demonstrators, resulting in the detention of 112 individuals ranging from women to LGBTI+ activists. The primary reason provided by the authorities was the chanting of “banned slogans.” This enforcement action has raised concerns regarding the legality and motivations behind such detentions, fueling discussions about the rights of protestors in Turkey.
Feminist activist Feride Eralp was among those vocal about the police response. She criticized the actions taken by the police, stating, “There are probably 100 to 200 of us here. Out of a protest attended by thousands, you have somehow managed to trap this small group. This is disgraceful. What you are doing here is completely arbitrary.”
“Your duty is to protect women from violence, not to inflict it,”
she added, urging authorities to allow participants to disperse peacefully. Her comments underline the frustration of those detained, as they felt the day should end without additional confrontation.
The Case of LGBTI+ Activist İris Mozalar
Among the detained was LGBTI+ activist İris Mozalar, who faced serious legal repercussions following the protest. She was taken to Istanbul’s 3rd Penal Judgeship of Peace, facing charges for “insulting the president” and violating the Law No. 2911 regarding Meetings and Demonstrations. Mozalar’s situation highlights the precarious legal environment for activists in Turkey, especially regarding freedom of speech.
Her lawyer, Gizem Karaköçek, noted that the prosecutors sought to arrest her without collecting a statement, raising questions about the fairness of the judicial process involved. Notably, a slogan chanted during the march—“Jump, jump, those who don’t jump are Tayyip”—was cited as evidence of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During police questioning, Mozalar was confronted with questions regarding various slogans related to women’s rights and freedoms, including “Jin, jiyan, azadî” (Woman, life, freedom) and others that advocate for women’s autonomy and rights.
Despite the gravity of the charges, İris Mozalar was ultimately released under judicial control, which imposed an international travel ban on her. This situation exemplifies the ongoing tension faced by activists advocating for marginalized voices and how the legal system can be weaponized against them.
Public Response and Statements
The response from both the public and various activist organizations to the police’s actions has been pronounced, with many condemning the detentions as unjust and indicative of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression in Turkey. Activists and supporters have taken to social media platforms expressing solidarity with those who were detained and calling for the immediate release of all activists. Hashtags related to the Feminist Night March trended as supporters rallied online, emphasizing the importance of fighting for women’s rights and equality.
Several organizations focused on LGBTI+ rights in Turkey have issued statements calling for accountability. They urge the authorities to respect the right to protest and recognize the significance of women’s struggles within societal discussions. Additionally, many prominent figures in civil rights and women’s rights movements have publicly condemned the police’s violent measures and the growing climate of fear surrounding public demonstrations.
Broader Implications for Activism in Turkey
The incidents at the Feminist Night March illuminate the challenging landscape for activists in Turkey today. Increasing instances of police aggression against peaceful protests coupled with the legal jeopardy activists face create a hostile environment for those striving for social change. Experts argue that such actions are part of a systemic effort to silence dissent and hinder advocates for marginalized communities.
The Turkish government’s approach to handling public demonstrations reflects a broader trend of authoritarianism that has garnered international attention. Many observers fear that such incidents further deepen divisions within Turkish society and impede progress towards equality and justice for all. Moving forward, it is crucial for activists to continue advocating for their rights and for the international community to support those fighting for freedom and justice within repressive regimes.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Over 100 women and LGBTI+ activists were detained during the Feminist Night March in Istanbul. |
| 2 | Police cited “banned slogans” as the reason for detentions, raising concerns about freedom of expression. |
| 3 | Activist İris Mozalar was detained on charges of insulting the president and violating protest laws. |
| 4 | Public backlash against police actions has been strong, with significant support for the detained activists. |
| 5 | The events reflect a growing tension for activists in Turkey and highlight systemic issues surrounding their rights. |
Summary
The detentions during the Feminist Night March on March 8, 2025, mark a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom of expression in Turkey. This event has not only spotlighted the police’s aggressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators but also underscored the urgent need for protections of activists and their rights. As societal norms and legal frameworks evolve, the path forward for gender equality and freedom in Turkey remains fraught with challenges. Solidarity among activists and broader societal support will be essential in fostering an environment where rights and liberties are universally respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the significance of the Feminist Night March?
The Feminist Night March serves as an annual protest highlighting women’s rights and gender equality issues, taking place on International Women’s Day, typically drawing substantial crowds advocating for justice and systemic changes.
Question: Why were activists detained during the march?
Activists were detained primarily for allegedly chanting “banned slogans,” which authorities claimed violated laws regarding public demonstrations. This has raised serious questions about free speech and the handling of protests in Turkey.
Question: What were the legal repercussions faced by İris Mozalar?
Activist İris Mozalar faced serious charges including “insulting the president” and violating regulations related to public demonstrations, ultimately leading to her being released under judicial control with an international travel ban.
