Turkish women have protested a court ruling that found a woman guilty of exhibitionism as she had fished in “improper clothing.”
About 70 Turkish women marched across the iconic Galata Bridge in Istanbul chanting slogans. It's not exhibitionism, it's male abuse!" and "State, take your hands of my body!" they cried.
Fair Sex in an Unfair World- International Women’s Day - March 8
International Women's day falls on 8th of March every year and is a day to remind us of the crusade for gender equality and restoration of basic rights to women.
International Women's day falls on 8th of March every year and is a day to remind us of the crusade for gender equality and restoration of basic rights to women.
The incident they were protesting occurred last summer, on the same bridge, when men complained that the woman's clothing was "improper."
Turkish newspapers quote court documents as saying she was wearing a lightweight outfit like a nightdress, which blew up in the wind.
Last week a judge upheld the men's complaints.
The fisherwoman in a flimsy dress was given a five-month suspended prison sentence for exhibitionism.
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They said finding the woman guilty of "exhibitionism" was disturbing proof that conservative thinking is on the rise here.
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"The question is what is proper? No-one has the right to tell us what to wear, that is the point."
"I don't think anyone should be arrested because of their clothing. People cross this bridge wearing all sorts of things," one of the fishermen said.
"But unfortunately there is conservative pressure on people now because we have a religious government."
The AK Party - which is led by devout Muslims - has been in power since 2002. Some are concerned Turkey is becoming more conservative under its rule, reports BBC.
"Men here are not well educated," another fisherman adds.
"It's the mothers that fail to teach them. But overall, the state sides with men when things should be equal."
Source-Medindia
GPL
