'Illegal demonstration' charges against 40 women over Women's Day events

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Forty women who were detained on Women's Day have been indicted for "attending an illegal demonstration unarmed and not dispersing despite a warning."

The women were battered and detained near Kadıköy Pier, where they went to cross the city's European side by ferry to attend the Feminist Night March in Taksim.

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The Women's Defense Network, whose members were detained in Kadıköy, released a statement about the lawsuit, saying, "In the indictment, it is written that a march was carried out in a way that blocks the vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Forty people walking on the street cannot prevent pedestrian or vehicle traffic in a crowded place like Kadıköy. Don't try to create crimes."

The group also noted that the content of the detained women's placards, which are included in the indictment, did not constitute a crime but "the expression of our struggle for living equal and free in this country,"

"Let's create a feminist world," "Resist with feminist revolt," Don't remain silent, lesbians exist," Long live our feminist struggle" were the messages o some of the seized placards.

"The riot police surrounded the women and neither allowed them to take the ferry nor to disperse," the network said, adding that police officers detained the women by battering them and handcuffing them behind their backs.

"Participating in the March 8 marches is not against the law, it is a fundamental right. Prevent male violence, not women defending their rights," said the network. (EMK/VK)