Woman Judge Attacked at Court

"This incident is another evidence to the widespread culture of violence against women", said rights activists lawyer Canan Arın talking to bianet.

The offenders would think twice before attacking if it was a male judge. The lack of political will to challenge this mind set renders such attacks probable".

Judge İnsaf Gündüz was attacked right after the trial where she declined the acquittal of a defendant accused of theft.

The defendant's brother smashed Gündüz's skull, leaving her with a broken nose and concussion. He shouted, "She should stay at home rather than dealing with such cases".

The offender was taken under police custody. In a public announcement, Istanbul Bar Association condemned the attack. Such incidents are commonplace in courts and lack of security for servants of law remains a controversial issue in Turkey.(NZ/EÜ)