22.06.2026 17:50
Hatice Ö., who insulted a veiled woman she encountered on the Istanbul metro by saying, "Ignorance oozes from every part of you. If possible, let all covered women be shut down and exterminated," was detained following widespread backlash on social media. After completing procedures at the police station, the suspect was referred to the Çağlayan Courthouse and was arrested by the duty Magistrate on charges of "inciting the public to hatred or hostility or degrading" and sent to prison.
During an incident while using public transportation in Istanbul, a person named Hatice Ö. targeted a veiled woman sharing the same carriage. Amidst the astonished looks of nearby citizens, Hatice Ö. began spewing hatred, addressing the victim with scandalous statements: "Ignorance is dripping from every part of you. If possible, let all covered women be closed down and eliminated." As mobile phone footage of the moments rapidly spread on social media, security forces and judicial authorities immediately took action.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Following the footage, an investigation was launched, during which Hatice Ö. was identified and taken into custody. After completing procedures at the police station, she was referred to the Istanbul Palace of Justice in Çağlayan. The suspect, who gave a statement to the prosecutor's office, was sent to the duty court with a request for arrest on the grounds that she had fulfilled the elements of the crime of "inciting public hatred or humiliation."
SENT TO PRISON
The court panel, which evaluated the statements of Hatice Ö. and the evidence in the file before the Duty Criminal Court of Peace, showed no tolerance for this act that damages social peace and clearly constitutes a hate crime. The court decided to arrest Hatice Ö. on the charge of "inciting public hatred or humiliation" and send her to prison.