For the first time, Turkey's Constitutional Court finds the state guilty in a feminicide

"İstanbul Convention saves lives" (Photo: csgorselarsiv.org/Serra Akcan)

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The Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday (September 29) that public officials should stand trial for failing to take adequate measures to prevent a feminicide, DW Turks reported.

Academic Serpil Erfındık, who was divorced from her spouse in 2013, was killed on the day an order for preventive measures expired. During the period, Erfındık's requests for protection had been rejected. The top court ruled that her right to life was violated.

The court stated that the feminicide occurred as a result of a failure to implement preventive measures effectively because of the negligence of public officials.

The investigation into the officials in question, which was previously closed, should be opened again, the court concluded.

The Constitutional Court will issue the detailed ruling in the coming months. The prosecutor's office ill have to reopen the investigation into the officials once it receives the detailed ruling.

The attorney of Erfındık's family, Aytül Arıkan, said on Twitter that the ruling was important in terms of preventing similar cases and pointing out the responsibility of the administration:

"Finally, the Constitutional Court said what we've been saying for years:

- Protecting women is your duty

- Implementing laws is your duty

- If you don't perform your duty, you are a criminal; you are a party to the crime.

"This verdict should be a precedent and women should not be turned away from police stations." (EMK/VK)