Istanbul's Feminists Protest Valentine's Day

Dozens of Istanbul Feminist Kollektif members assembled at the gates of Istanbul's biggest mall in Şişli district last night, protesting male violence and murders against women in the name love.

Protestors distributed pro-choice pamphlets, purple pins and magnets that said "Take back your love, give me my life" to onlookers.

Remarkable banners from the protest included "Prince charming, don't you dare come to me" and "He's so furious, 'coz he's jobless? Only excuse!"

Female protestors also chanted several slogans during the protest including "We don't love that kills", "Man kills, state protects" and "Men for child care".

In statement, the feminist collective reminded that 18 women were slain by men only in January in Turkey.

"We, feminist, know that the lady discourse is only to keep us silent. On February 14, we raise our voices to say that we don't have a life to sacrifice on red roses. No gifts or love words can hide male domination and violence. We are going to continue our struggle. And our gifts to women here in this mall are to enhance our struggle." (ÇT/BM)