ISTANBUL – Zeynep Yaman, who was subjected to police violence in Istanbul’s Bayrampaşa district, said her baby was born prematurely after being kicked in the stomach by a police officer. “Doctors said there might be issues with my baby’s heart and brain. My baby experienced state violence before even born,” she said.
The incident occurred on July 13, when the Yaman family was returning from a picnic and was attacked by police allegedly due to listening to Kurdish music in their car. Zeynep Yaman, seven months pregnant at the time, was hospitalized after being assaulted and was forced to deliver her baby via emergency C-section. The newborn, delivered at 29 weeks, is currently in intensive care in an incubator.
‘AN ATTACK ROOTED IN KURDISH INTOLERANCE’
Zeynep Yaman recounted the incident, stating that police began filming their car and intervened aggressively after questioning their music. “A plainclothes man joined in without identifying himself as police. When we asked who he was, he threatened us, and suddenly dozens of officers surrounded us and attacked with hostility,” she said.
‘MY CHILDREN SAW EVERYTHING’
Yaman said she was pushed and kicked in the stomach despite repeatedly stating she was pregnant. “My 4-year-old son saw it all and cried out, ‘Don’t hit my mom, she’s pregnant!’ They arrested us violently. I was terrified when I heard gunshots during transport, thinking my brothers were killed,” she added.
‘VIDEO STAGED TO MISLEAD’
She also revealed that the officer who kicked her later filmed a video pretending to treat her well. “They cut out the part where I confronted him and posted it online without my permission to cover up the truth. But I will not give up my struggle,” she said.
‘MY BABY’S HEART STOPPED’
Zeynep collapsed at the police station and was rushed to the hospital. “My baby’s heartbeat stopped. Doctors told me if they didn’t operate, we would both die. After surgery, I saw false rumors online claiming my baby had died,” she said, calling the experience deeply traumatizing. “My baby is in an incubator, weighs only 1.2 kilograms, and might have issues with lungs, heart, and brain,” she added.
‘WHEN YOU’RE KURDISH, EVERYTHING IS PERMITTED’
Yaman emphasized that they were targeted simply for being Kurdish. “They brought out the entire police force just because we listened to Kurdish music. When Kurdish children are killed, when women are assaulted, no justice is served,” she said. “They talk of ‘brotherhood’ but only for show. This treatment proves otherwise.”
Now home but separated from her newborn, Zeynep Yaman says the psychological toll has been devastating. “I have panic attacks at night. I couldn’t protect my baby. My baby has a name, but not with me,” she said.
‘THIS DAMAGES OUR BELIEF IN PEACE’
Referring to ongoing discussions around the Kurdish issue and peace processes, Yaman said the treatment they faced contradicts any message of reconciliation. “If the state truly wants peace, it must stop turning a blind eye to violence against Kurds. There can be no peace without justice.”
Yaman also criticized the Istanbul Governor’s claim that the family attacked the police. “The governor never contacted us. They took only the officers’ version of the story. This is not justice,” she said.
‘WE WILL SEEK JUSTICE’
Her husband, Yunus Emre Yaman, vowed to pursue legal action. “Is this the state’s idea of peace? My wife and child are both fighting for their lives. We will not stop until justice is served,” he said.
MA / Esra Solin Dal