A trans and sex work rights activist was raped and robbed in their home in Ankara, Turkey last week.

Turkish activist Kemal Ördek answered their door yesterday to two men who forced their way into the home last Sunday (26 July). Ördek was robbed of their mobile phone and raped.

After the sexual assault, the two strangers went to an ATM and forced Ördek to withdraw money. Ördek caught sight of a police officer and tried to explain the situation.

The three were then taken into custody. Ördek, the alleged rapist and accomplice were kept together in the same holding area.

In a blog post on the website LGBTI News Turkey, Ördek said they threatened murder if the charges weren’t dropped. ‘Drop this case. You know what will happen if you don’t. We know where you live now.’

Ördek refused to sign a statement which focused on the assailants version of the alleged attack. The attackers were released without charge, and continue to call on Ördek’s phone.

Ördek attorneys, meanwhile, are looking for evidence.

‘Up to today, I’ve been beaten twice and hospitalized. I’ve been raped twice. I know very well what rape means.’ Ördek wrote in another blog post on the same website.

‘I’m crushed psychologically.’

A benefit event was held on Thursday (29 July) in London in solidarity with Ördek: ‘We Stand by Kemal Ördek’. That raised £360 ($560, €510).

‘I know so many people tried to reach out, they gave their kind messages through others. I thank you all. Feeling you by me strengthens me.’