Acquittal in child sexual abuse case involving 6-year-old sparks controversy

In the case heard at the Denizli 4th High Criminal Court, H.T., who was on trial for the sexual abuse of a 6-year-old girl between 2006 and 2012, was acquitted.

The court ruled that the defendant was not guilty on the grounds that "the legal elements of the crime were not established." The decision caused great disappointment in society and among women's rights advocates.

REACTIONS ROSE AFTER THE DECISION

During the hearing, the public prosecutor requested that the defendant be punished for the crime of "chain-linked qualified sexual abuse." The prosecutor stated that Forensic Medicine reports and witness testimonies confirmed the abuse. However, the court did not find this evidence sufficient and issued an acquittal.

The child's lawyers announced that they would object to the court's decision and apply to the Court of Appeal. Women's organizations and civil society representatives who gathered in front of the courthouse after the hearing expressed that the acquittal decision was alarming in terms of children's rights and justice.

News Source: 12punto