Refugee trans woman after acid attack: 'I'm seeking my rights'

Photo: Özge Özgüner/csgorselarsiv

Click to read the article in Turkish

The sentence of the man who carried out an acid attack on Asya, 18, a trans woman from Syria, was reduced from 11 years to six years in prison because of "unjust provocation."

Speaking to bianet about Friday's (October 22) hearing, Asya said, "I'm a person who came back from death's door. I don't understand how can such a verdict is given, how a reduction can be applied."

The homophobia of the prosecutor was clear before the ruling was given, said Asya.

"While the opposing party explained what happened in length, they were listened to. I also wanted to explain everything in detail. The prosecutor told me to sum it up.

"If I'd sum it up, what's the point of appearing before the court? I had already lost hope about the court when the prosecutor told me this."

"Three years in prison at most"

She felt terrible when the court announced ruling, said Asya, adding that the result would not change unless judges and prosecutors change.

"While we expected him to receive a sentence of 15, 16 years, only a six-year sentence was given. And I don't think he will complete this sentence. He will be imprisoned for three years at most, that's for sure."

Damaged in the attack, her eye hasn't healed yet and she can't work because of that, said Asya.

"I have a very hard time meeting my needs. I was taking care of my family. There are the rent, my medicines... My eyes are still being treated. I have to go for a checkup every day.

"This is not my right. I'm seeking my right. I lost my job after the attack, I can't work anymore."

"I have only one wish"

She also faced transphobic treatment by hospital employees, Asya noted. "Went I wanted to go to the toilet, I had to remove the serum. When I called nurses, they would grunt, they wouldn't want to come. When I remove the serum myself and go to the toilet, I would be covered with blood all over. Then they would shout at me, 'Why don't you just sit down'?"

"I should accept that. I'm from Syria. I can't defend my rights. I don't have trust in justice in Turkey, anyway. I have only one wish from now on: healing of my eye and seeing again."

(CA/EMK)