Shocking ruling in Niğde child abuse case: 'Torture crime not established'

A remarkable development has occurred in the case file containing footage of abuse and mistreatment directed at 17 disabled children in need of care at the Niğde Sevgi Evleri. Journalist İsmail Saymaz brought the court's decision to the agenda in his column regarding the matter.

COURT RULES "TORTURE CRIME NOT ESTABLISHED"

The 1st Criminal Chamber of the Kayseri Regional Court of Justice overturned the conviction ruling issued by the Niğde 1st High Criminal Court against 25 caregivers. Despite the footage of violence, the Chamber assessed that the "crime of torture was not established." It was noted that the footage in the file includes moments where children were slapped, shoved, left hungry, bathed collectively and naked, and even dragged on the floor.

ASSESSED AS "SUDDEN REACTIONS"

It was stated that in its decision, the court assessed the caregivers' actions not as part of "systematic torture," but as "sudden reactions." Thus, the conviction rulings issued by the Niğde 1st High Criminal Court in April lost their validity.

SCANDALOUS FOOTAGE EMERGED AFTER MUSTAFA ÇELİK'S DEATH

It was stated that the events at the Niğde Barrier-Free Life and Care Rehabilitation Center were uncovered following the suspicious death of 9-year-old Mustafa Çelik in July 2024. Investigations determined that 16 children between the ages of 7 and 13, including Mustafa, were subjected to systematic physical violence. Camera recordings revealed the extent of the mistreatment toward the children.

CONVICTIONS HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR 25 PEOPLE

Within the scope of the investigation, 14 caregivers were arrested, and a lawsuit was filed against a total of 25 people. In the case concluded in April 2025, the Niğde 1st High Criminal Court had convicted the defendants of crimes such as "tormenting a child" and "misconduct in public office." However, with the latest decision by the higher court, the file will be re-evaluated.

News Source: 12punto