A Turkish Cypriot court has issued what reports describe as the first conviction for a homophobic hate crime, sentencing a man to six months in prison for assaulting his former wife and directing homophobic abuse at another woman.
The Trikomo district court ruled that the homophobic insults directed at Berna Numan constituted a separate offence from the assault and threats against Pinar Tas, according to the news website Bugun Kibris on Wednesday.
The incidents took place in September 2023 at Tas’ flat in Trikomo.
Court distinguishes hate crime from other insults
According to Bugun Kibris, the court found that the homophobic language directed at Numan, which could also be heard outside the flat, amounted to a separate crime.
The court said a homophobic hate crime requires more than a general intention to commit an offence. It must involve a specific motive rooted in prejudice or hatred towards a person’s sexual orientation.
In Sunmez’s case, the court said the language used showed that his aim went beyond insults during an argument. It found that he intended to publicly marginalise and humiliate Numan and expose her to hostility because of her sexual orientation.
Ergun Sunmez was sentenced to a total of six months in prison on September 24.
Six-month sentence covers assault and hate crime
According to Bugun Kibris, five months of the sentence related to the assault on Tas, while one month was imposed for the homophobic hate crime against Numan.
Ozgur Gazete reported at the time that Sunmez and Tas had divorced five months before the incident. On the day in question, he went to Tas’ home, assaulted her and threatened to kill her.
Tas subsequently filed a complaint and obtained a medical report documenting the assault.
Legal protections and remaining restrictions
Same-sex sexual activity was legalised by the Turkish Cypriot “authorities” on February 7, 2014, alongside the introduction of anti-discrimination “laws”. The change came after the “administration” had been the last in Europe to legalise same-sex sexual activity.
However, same-sex couples still lack legal recognition and the right to adopt children. Homosexual men can also be discharged from the Turkish Cypriot security forces if their homosexuality is proven, according to the report.
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