Perpetrators of Lynching Attempt against Roma People Released

The court decision has been made about lynching attempt against Roma people two years ago in İznik district of Bursa province in Marmara region of Turkey.

Charges were placed against 31 people by İznik Criminal Court of First Instance for opposition to the law on meetings and demonstrations, for damaging to property and for resisting not to allow fulfilling the duty.

31 defendants were sentenced to between 1 and 5 months in prison at first, but the court suspended the judgement.

What happened?

On September 7, 2013, a person named Zeki Dursun lost his life due to a right-of-way fight in İznik. Romani father and son N.D and M.D. were arrested.

A bevy of people and Dursun’s relatives attacked Roma people’s quarters and vandalized their apartments and workplaces. On the following day, the clashes between Roma people and attackers continued.

Deceased Dursun’s uncle, former İznik Mayor Zeynel Abidin Turan intervened in and the incidents calmed down.

According to the bill of indictment, 2 vehicles, 7 workplaces, 4 apartments and 3 mobile toast stands of Roma people were damaged.

“They should be sued for incitement to animosity and hostility”

Trial lawyer Hilal Çelik talked to bianet that Ankara Roma People’s Rights Association requested the instigators should be sued for incitement to animosity and hostility.

Çelik added they would lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court.

“They may lynch Roma people again”

Ankara Roma People’s Rights Association President Yücel Tutal:

“We are deeply sorry and shocked since it is worrying that none of the perpetrators were arrested even though thousands of people attempted lynching Roma people and there were camera records of the incidents. 

"Some fascist groups taking Selendi and İznik as examples, may attack Roma people’s quarters again due to impunity. We are worried. If the guilty ones are punished, the citizens trust the state more and we will see brighter days.” (NV/BD)

 Click here to read the article in Turkish