Three journalists and eighteen women demonstrators arrested on Saturday during a protest against gender-based violence in the Kurdish-majority province of Şırnak (Şirnex) in southeast Turkey have been released following police procedures. Hospital medical examinations revealed signs of violence inflicted on the detainees.

Women’s Free Society Movement (TJA) activist Güler Yerbasan suffered three broken fingers and a sprained wrist, and JinNews correspondent Rozerin Gültekin suffered one broken finger, according to their medical reports.

During the intervention, police broke the camera and tripod of Mezopotamya Agency reporter Ömer Akın, MA reported.

The women faced police violence as they gathered in the city centre to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with police preventing them from marching or issuing a press release, and arresting 21 people. Among those detained were activists from the Peace Mothers group, who campaign for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, women politicians, and three Kurdish journalists who were documenting the police intervention.

After their release, the women protested outside the hospital, chanting the slogan ‘Jin Jîyan Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom).