ISTANBUL - Condemning the Istanbul Convention decision of the Council of State, representatives of women's institutions said: "We will say what we have to say and exist where they want to destroy us, and we will not give up."

 

The Istanbul Convention, which includes articles on the prevention of violence against women, was repealed on March 20 by the decision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the decision, women's organisations, opposition parties and many non-governmental organisations applied to the Council of State with a request to "stay the execution". As a result of the hearings, the request for annulment of the decision to withdraw from the contract was rejected by the 10th Chamber of the Council of State by 2 to 3 votes. Condemning the decision of the Council of State continue to come from various segments, especially women and women's organisations.

 

Condemning the decision, Serap Dalkılıç, a volunteer for the Women's Platform for Equality (EŞİK) said: "The decision would increase violence against women. The violence increased after the cancellation of the contract. The decision will encourage the murderers. We understood from the statement at the hearing that the decision to withdraw from İstanbul Convention encouraged and pleased Pınar Gültekin's murderer. The decision paved the way for the courts to sign more unjust decisions.”

 

THE DECISION IS THE BEGINNING OF A VERY DANGEROUS PROCESS

 

Commenting on this situation as "the beginning of a dangerous process", Dalkılıç said: "We would appeal the decision. We will not give up on the contract and will continue the struggle. We will take legal action."

 

'JUDICIARY IS NOT INDEPENDENT'

 

Newroz Ünverdi, from the Executive Board of the Women's Time Association, said: "The judiciary is no longer independet. There are objections against unlawfulness, but that the 'pressure and domination' of the government has come upon the judiciary."

 

EFFECT OF THE DECISION

 

Ünverdi said: "This decision will have impact on Turkey's future and its attitude towards femicide in whoever is in favor of this decision. The decision is an unforgivable decision. The state will not take measures to prevent femicides, the judiciary will not be independent and the word of one person will be considered above all law. At this point, we will say what we have to say and exist where they want to destroy us, and we will not give up.”