Arrest request for woman detained over remarks on the metro

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had launched an investigation following remarks made by a woman named Hatice Ö. to a woman wearing a headscarf she encountered on the metro, in which she said, "Ignorance is dripping from every part of you. If possible, all veiled women should be closed off, destroyed."

An investigation has been launched into Hatice Öncel, who made a post on social media stating that 'veiled women should be destroyed.'

—An arrest order has been issued for the individual.

Öncel:

If possible, all veiled women should be closed off. When I say closed off, I mean destroyed.

A veiled woman at the pool… https://t.co/XG615Afn61 pic.twitter.com/Zoxoq8DFAA

— gdh (@gundemedairhs) June 21, 2026

Hatice Ö., who was under investigation for the charge of "inciting the public to hatred and hostility or insulting," had been taken into custody by teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Security Branch.

REFERRED TO THE COURTHOUSE

Following the completion of her procedures at the police station, Hatice Ö. was referred to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan. After her statement was taken there, Hatice Ö. was referred by the prosecutor's office to the Criminal Court of Peace with a request for her arrest on charges of 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility or insulting.'

News Source: İHA