Diyarbakır Bar Association files criminal complaint over 'Hırtlar Vadisi' post

The Istanbul Governor's Office, in a decision taken before the opening of schools, ordered municipalities and district governorships to collect stray animals.

In a letter signed by Governor Davut Gül, it was stated that "dogs roaming in packs are a threat to the safety of citizens," and instructions were given for stray animals to be "collected immediately."

While the decision targeting stray animals drew widespread reaction, a post on the subject also came from Prof. Dr. Bengi Başer.

Başer shared an image on her social media account featuring the words "Hırtlar Vadisi" (Valley of the Hırt). Along with the photo, she added the note: "If only you spent the energy you use to destroy stray animals on rehabilitating these human subspecies!.."

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FROM DIYARBAKIR BAR ASSOCIATION

Following the post, which quickly became a trending topic, the Diyarbakır Bar Association announced that a criminal complaint had been filed against Başer.

The following statement was made on the Diyarbakır Bar Association's X account:

"A criminal complaint has been filed with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the person who made a post on the social media platform X that targets a segment of society based on their physical appearance and contains hate speech such as 'human subspecies,' on charges of 'Hate and Discrimination' (Article 122 of the Turkish Penal Code) and 'Inciting the Public to Hatred and Hostility' (Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code).

At the same time, a formal application will be made to the Ministry of Health requesting the initiation of a disciplinary investigation due to the post being contrary to ethical principles, given the individual's profession and professional responsibilities. Respectfully announced to the public."