To all whom this may concern,
“At 01:00 today (Tuesday, 2nd February 2021) government officials announced that the Boğaziçi University LGBTI+ Studies Club is closed. The rainbow flags, the symbol of LGBTI+ rights, which were illegally seized through an illegal search, were portrayed as an element of a crime. Again, an attempt was made by the government to establish a relationship between the LGBTI+ Studies Club and terrorist organizations through a book that was allegedly seized during this illegal search but whose presence in the room was not proven. With the decision taken in disregard of the presumption of innocence, our friends were officially declared "guilty" even before proceeding to the prosecution stage. Inciting the public to hatred and hostility is not defending the human rights of LGBTI+ people, but is hate speech against LGBTI+ people. We will continue to defend LGBTI+ rights, which are fundamental human rights.”
We want to bring to your attention a grave situation happening in Turkey, this very moment, towards LGBTIQ+ individuals. State Authorities in Turkey have closed down a student club at Boğaziçi University that brings together LGBTI+ students. Pride Flags have been seized in an illegal search and considered as an element of crime; students sentenced guilty without a fair trial. Many of these students are now being detained illegally.
This is not the first time state-sponsored attacks on LGBTIQ+ students and citizens were carried out. There is a systemic injustice going on and we expect countries that have a high regard for Human Rights to jointly put pressure in any way that is possible.
Respectfully Yours,
Allied Rainbow Communities (Malta)