Nalin Öztekin
The first hearing in the case concerning death threats against lawyer Hediye Gökçe Baykal, vice president of the Association for Children and Women First, has been held. The court decided to request files from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on the defendant, who has also allegedly threatened other female lawyers. Speaking to MLSA, Baykal stated, “These attacks should not only be seen as targeting me personally but as a threat to the right to defense being exercised freely.”
Baykal filed a criminal complaint in 2022 after receiving a threatening message from an individual identified as P.D., who wrote, “I will cut your carotid artery into pieces.” The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office indicted P.D. on charges of "insult and threat via audio, written, or visual communication." The first hearing of the case, in which Baykal is the complainant, was held at Ankara’s 37th Criminal Court of First Instance.
The defendant, P.D., did not attend the hearing, which was observed by numerous lawyers. The Union of Turkish Bar Associations, Ankara Bar Association, Zonguldak Bar Association, and the Association for Children and Women First all requested to join the case. Representing the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, lawyer Deniz Özbilgin emphasized that crimes against lawyers are considered equivalent to crimes against judges and expressed their expectation of a deterrent sentence for the defendant.
‘For years, I have defended women and children—now I am defending myself’
During the hearing, Baykal identified herself and was the first to speak. “I have been a lawyer for 20 years, working on women’s and children’s rights. For years, I have defended women and children—now I am defending myself,” she said. She pointed out that the defendant frequently used legal terms such as “mediation,” “conciliation,” and “suspension of the announcement of the verdict,” suggesting that he was well aware of legal procedures. She urged the court to impose the harshest penalty possible and opposed any suspension of the verdict’s announcement.
Baykal’s lawyer, Burak Yılmaz, then took the floor, highlighting the defendant’s use of "extremely frightening, brutal, and pleasure-seeking" language. “It appears that there is a structure specifically targeting female lawyers. The defendant seems to believe he can do these things without facing any consequences. From his messages, it is clear he takes pleasure in committing crimes, and this is why a deterrent sentence is necessary,” he said.
Following these statements, the court ruled to request the defendant’s case file from the 57th Criminal Court of First Instance in Ankara, as well as other files related to similar crimes committed against other lawyers. Additionally, the court accepted the requests of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, Ankara Bar Association, Zonguldak Bar Association, and the Association for Children and Women First to participate in the case. The next hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2025.
‘These attacks are not just against me, but against the right to defense’
After the hearing, Baykal spoke to MLSA about the threats she has faced, emphasizing that this case is not just a personal attack but a reflection of the gender-based pressure and threats that female lawyers encounter while practicing their profession.
“Unfortunately, these threats and insults are a clear attempt to interfere with my professional identity and my presence as a female lawyer in society,” she said. “The right to defense is sacred, and lawyers play an indispensable role in ensuring justice. These attacks should not be seen merely as targeting my personal practice but as a threat to the right to defense being exercised freely. I firmly believe that with solidarity and legal awareness, we will stand against such efforts. I see this process not just as a fight for my own rights but as an opportunity to amplify the voices of all women facing similar threats.”
