‘You are a Kurd, Who are You to Live in Nişantaşı?’

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

Mehmet Nuri Deniz alleges that he was battered by the officials at the Şişli Sub-Governor's Office, where he went to apply for social relief.

Speaking to bianet, Deniz says that he was also subjected to racism and discrimination at the office because he is Kurdish.

Living in Feriköy in Şişli district together with his wife, 34-year-old Deniz underlines that he will struggle until the responsible ones are put on trial.

'Go back to you village'

Deniz has recounted the incident in following words:

"As our village was burned down in the 1990s, we migrated from [eastern province of] Bitlis to İstanbul. I have been working in different jobs since then. We currently live in Şişli Feriköy. I was working at a textile factory the last time, but they have dismissed several workers including me due to the outbreak. I could not pay my rent in the meantime.

"Last week, the householder came and told us that 'we would either pay the rent or leave the house.' I first went to the neighborhood head's office. They told me that I could get social relief from Şişli Sub-Governor's Office. I went to the Sub-Governor's Office. I told my situation to a person named Mehmet who said that he was the consultant of the sub-governor.

"'My monthly rent is 1,200 lira [approx. 175 US dollar]. I could not pay my rent for four months. Can you pay it,' I asked them. I was told that they could not pay for all four months but only for two months, so 2,400 lira. They got my bank account number. On Friday, I received a message saying, 'You money has been deposited.' I went to the bank to withdraw the money. But, I saw that they had deposited only 400 lira, as if they were mocking me.

'They forced me into the elevator, beat me'

"I went to the sub-governor's office to ask what it was all about. I met with this consultant named Mehmet again. He said to me, 'Do we have to give you money? Wherever you came, go back there. He came from Bitlis as a Kurd and wants to live in Nişantaşı! Go back to your village, who are you to live in Nişantaşı*? Why are we supposed to give you money?' When I answered back, a verbal row ensued. He pushed me and tried to batter me.

"Then he called two security guards. They beat me till we went to the elevator. Then, another one came and those three beat me there.

"Then, they threw me out of the building. I went to the Fulya Police Station immediately. But the police did not really deal with it. I do not remember its name, but they took me to a hospital. They dressed my wounds there. We received a report documenting battery, but I was in such a bad condition that I did not see the report. I do not have iy. I deposed to the police and went home. When I felt better in the meantime, I went to a lawyer."

'I asked for help, got beaten'

Deniz concludes his remarks as follows:

"They insulted and battered me while wearing the uniform of the state. I cannot accept this. While the state was supposed to support me, I was battered. I do not know what to do. I am torn apart, both morally and materially. The state was supposedly helping its citizens in the outbreak... I was beaten because I asked for help."

Deniz and his attorney Eren Keskin went to the İstanbul Courthouse to file a criminal complaint against the Sub-Governor's Office of Şişli.

Sub-Governor's Office: We have not been informed

When we called the Law Department of the Şişli Governor's Office to ask the allegations, an official told us, "The issue has not been notified to us. It would not be right to make a statement for that reason." Other departments other than the Law Department have not answered our calls. (EMK/SD)

* Nişantaşı is a town which is mostly known for its luxurious and expensive shops, cafes and restaurants.