Breaking News: Verdict reached in TBMM sexual abuse scandal case

The verdict has been announced for 5 non-detained defendants working at the parliamentary restaurant regarding allegations of sexual harassment against student interns at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). The judge sentenced defendants Durmuş Uğurlu to 6 years, 16 months, and 3 days; İbrahim Beşlioğlu to 1 year and 15 months; Recep Seven to 6 years and 3 months; and Halil İlker Güner to 1 year, 16 months, and 3 days in prison. Ramazan Çetin was acquitted of the charges brought against him.

The hearing held at the Ankara 57th Criminal Court of First Instance was attended by the non-detained defendants—parliamentary restaurant employees Halil İlker Güner, Durmuş Uğurlu, İbrahim Beşlioğlu, Recep Seven, and Ramazan Çetin—as well as the parties' lawyers and the complainants' families. Stating that he would conclude the case in this session, the judge gave the floor to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor requested that the defendants be punished for the charges brought against them. The judge then asked the defendants for their final statements.

Speaking, defendant Uğurlu said, "I did not commit a crime; I have been subjected to slander. I request my acquittal."

Defendant Beşlioğlu claimed, "I did not send messages for a sexual purpose. The messages I sent are clear. The period during which I sent messages was a very short interval. I request my acquittal."

Defendant Güner stated, "I had no contact whatsoever. There were some messages. She also had messages sent to me. I trust in your justice."

Defendants Çetin and Seven stated that they were not guilty and requested their acquittal.

Complainant E.D. made the following statement:

"The defendants say they are being slandered. We are not the kind of people who would ever end up in court corridors. My complaint stands. My child is quiet and calm. My complaint stands."

The court sentenced defendant Durmuş Uğurlu to a total of 6 years, 16 months, and 3 days in prison, consisting of 1 year, 16 months, and 3 days for 'sexual harassment against a child' toward complainant S., and 5 years for 'sexual abuse of a child by molestation' toward the same complainant. Defendant Recep Seven was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison for 'sexual abuse of a child by molestation' toward complainant S. Defendant Halil İlker Güner was sentenced to 1 year, 16 months, and 3 days in prison for 'sexual harassment against a child' toward complainant D., with a good conduct reduction applied.

Defendant İbrahim Beşlioğlu was sentenced to 1 year and 15 months in prison for 'sexual harassment against a child' toward complainant S.

Defendant Ramazan Çetin was acquitted of the charge of 'sexual harassment against a child' toward complainant A. on the grounds that the elements of the alleged crime were not met.