Today, I stand before you to seek justice for myself and for my people. Six years ago, I appeared at the oath ceremony of the Parliament in the same way I am dressed before you today. Unfortunately, some could not go beyond my appearance and acted in accordance with their parochial perception of 'rights, but not for all'. This was a blatant woman discrimination.

I was duly elected to the Parliament like all other 549 members. I was among the youngest to serve and the few female parliamentarians. I was cognizant of the diversity of my constituents from conservatives to nonmuslims who lived in the 1ST presinct of Istanbul. I was, in particular, interested in working towards making a difference in the lives of women and the youth, the two strata of the Turkish society whom I believed I represented the most and who were underrepresented at the National Assembly.

Democracy was clearly breached while some MPs physically denied me from taking oath of office. Democracy was breached as my citizenship was revoked while I was supposed to enjoy parliamentary immunity. Democracy was breached while the due process was not applied in the revoke of my parliamentary mandate. Democracy was breached as my seat remained vacant, never filled by another representative. Democracy was breached when all information concerning my 'existence' were removed from the Parliamentary documents, including my name and my picture. As a result, I was deprived from serving my country, pursuing my duty and the people of Istanbul from their right of representation.

Hence today, my case is before you to seek justice for me and my constituents.