Incel group becomes a topic in Parliament: Research motion submitted

CHP Ordu MP Seyit Torun has submitted a parliamentary research motion regarding the "incel" groups that came to the fore following the murder of İkbal Uzuner and Ayşegül Halil by Semih Çelik in Istanbul.

Torun stated that it is necessary to understand how these criminal organizations find a foothold in Turkey and how they can easily organize and commit crimes. Emphasizing that "precautions must be taken before crimes are committed," Torun stressed that the investigation should be initiated as soon as possible.

CALL TO THE TBMM

The research motion submitted by Torun to the Speaker of the TBMM calls for an investigation into the misogynistic hate groups with which the murderer was affiliated.

Noting that the "incel" concept, which Western societies have been debating since the 1990s, stands for "Involuntary Celibate," Torun pointed out that these groups have also begun to organize in Turkey with the development of technology. Torun requested that these structures be investigated by a commission to be established under the roof of the TBMM.

'INCELS ARE INVOLVED IN VIOLENT INCIDENTS WORLDWIDE'

Stating that "incel" groups are increasingly involved in violent incidents worldwide, Torun noted that these structures organize primarily through the 'Dark Web,' the dark side of the internet. Drawing attention to the danger of these criminal networks, formed under the name of "involuntary celibacy," spreading in Turkey, Torun said, "Comprehensive studies must be conducted to understand how these crime machines organize and to prevent crime."

YOUTH MUST BE PROTECTED FROM CRIMINAL STRUCTURES

Torun emphasized the need to investigate the origins of incel structures in Turkey, prevent hate crimes, and protect the youth from these criminal organizations.

Stating that the increasing economic and social crises in Turkey create hopelessness and a lack of future for young people, Torun noted that these negative conditions pose a greater danger to the youth. Arguing that the TBMM should take an active role in the fight against criminal structures, Torun said, "Our children need protection more than ever."

WHO ARE THE INCELS?

The term "incel," derived from the English words "involuntary celibate," describes individuals who are hostile toward women and society and are prone to violence.

This group, which is also active in Turkey, uses social media to spread hate speech and calls for violence against women.

Examinations of the phone of Semih Çelik, who ended the lives of two young women, revealed that he was in contact with an "incel" community on a messaging application.

It was also determined that "supportive" and "praising" posts regarding Çelik were shared within this group following the murders.

Upon this, the police launched a major tracking operation nationwide.

Cyber patrol teams have begun monitoring "incel" groups as well as sexual or violent content and posts.

The efforts are expected to turn into operations and detentions.

WHAT IS THEIR IDEOLOGY?

According to incels, women only associate with men who are "handsome," "rich," and "have status."

For this reason, they believe that disadvantaged men are doomed to be alone.

The "involuntary celibates" community, founded in 1994 by a woman named Alana as a support group, eventually fell under the control of men and transformed into a violent ideology.