Victimology of state repression: A Grounded Theory of Victimization Under Democratic Backsliding in Türkiye.

Korte beschrijving

This dissertation explores the victimology of state repression in Türkiye, analysing the victim experiences, impacts, and responses related to state repression resulting from democratic backsliding. Using a grounded theory approach based on 83 in-depth interviews with victims and experts, the study finds that state repression operates through a systematic "Architecture of Repression," including narrative warfare and the weaponization of legality. Victims navigate a harrowing "Victim's Journey" characterized by a "Chain of Victimization", leading to profound psychological, social, and economic impacts. Despite this, victims exhibit remarkable agency through resistance, coping mechanisms, and an emergent "Empathic Awakening." The study proposes a new typology of victims and a substantive theoretical model of state repression victimization, arguing for a human rights-centered victimology to confront the crimes of the state.