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Amnesty International Calls On Turkey To Investigate Into Attacks On

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  • Amnesty International Calls On Turkey To Investigate Into Attacks On

    AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CALLS ON TURKEY TO INVESTIGATE INTO ATTACKS ON ARMENIAN WOMEN

    TERT.AM
    29.01.13

    Amnesty International calls on the Turkish authorities to carry out
    a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the series of
    attacks on elderly Armenian women in Istanbul.

    In the last two months, four attacks, one of them fatal, took place
    in Samatya an area historically inhabited by Armenians in central
    Istanbul. All four women are Turkish citizens of Armenian origin.

    The Turkish authorities have an obligation to investigate any alleged
    racist and/or religious bias behind the perpetration of these crimes.

    A failure to do so may amount to a violation of the European
    Convention of Human Rights, ratified by Turkey, and the prohibition
    of discrimination set forth by it.

    Hate crimes constitute a serious form of discrimination. State
    authorities have not only to refrain from discriminating themselves
    but also exercise due diligence to prevent and combat discrimination
    from private parties.

    It is regrettable that Turkish legislation does not foresee any
    legislative and policy measures ensuring that hate motives are
    systematically and thoroughly investigated and duly taken into account
    in the prosecution and sentencing.

    Police insist that they are investigating the cases thoroughly.

    However, Amnesty International is concerned at public statements made
    by the authorities discounting the possibility of a racist motivation
    to the attacks.

    Amnesty International believes that the authorities must carry out
    a thorough investigation into these attacks without discarding the
    possibility of hate motivation from the outset and take steps to
    prevent further attacks.

    The incidents

    In late November 2012, an 87 year-old woman was physically attacked
    in the street. She was severely beaten and as a result of the attack
    lost the sight in one eye.

    A group of three men allegedly attempted to abduct another elderly
    woman while on her way to the church on the occasion of the orthodox
    Christmas on 6 January. The attackers reportedly fled after the
    intervention by other church goers.

    On 28 December, an 85 year-old woman was found stabbed to death in
    her home. Her jewellery was stolen.

    On 22 January, an 80 year-old woman was attacked and beaten as she
    was returning to her home.

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