ANKARA- Police attacked the women gathering outside of Dikmen Gate of Turkish Parliament in case the draft bill, giving authority muftis to perform civil marriages to be discussed today during the General Assembly meeting just before the statement of the women. Many women, including members of Ankara Women’s Platform, were detained for saying, “This law will not pass from the Parliament”.

The draft bill on Amendment of the Population Services Law, giving muftis authorities to perform marriages and Victims' Rights had been sent to the sub-commission from the Interior Commission was put to vote despite objections of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and the Republican People's Party (CHP). The draft bill proposing amendment in the first six articles is expected to be discussed today during the General Assembly meeting after accepted by being voted. Women, including members of Ankara Women’s Platform, gathered outside of Dikmen Gate of Turkish Parliament saying “This law will not pass from the Parliament”. The women would make a statement but police attacked the women waiting outside of the parliament by using tear gas and detained many women, including Gülşah Öztürk, Nebiye Merttürk, Ayşen Ece Kavas, Meziyet Yıldız, Buse Uçar, Selda Alpay, Tülay Devrim, Melike Ada and Aysun Gençtanır.

Simultaneous ‘Women’s Vigil’

The women saying, ‘Withdraw Law of Muftis’ will take to the streets today in many cities, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul, and they will hold ‘Women’s Vigil’ at the same time. The women will be on vigil against the draft bill.