Landlord who abused his tenant's 8-year-old grandchild arrested

The incident took place on 1 September in a two-storey detached house in Mahfesığmaz Neighbourhood, in the Çukurova district. According to the allegations, 8-year-old E.B. went to the home of his grandmother F.C., who was preparing to move out. While E.B. was outside playing with friends, the ball rolled onto the balcony of the landlord M.M., aged 60, who lives on the upper floor.

"COME AND I'LL GIVE YOU YOUR BALL BACK," HE SAID — THEN LURED AND SEXUALLY ABUSED THE CHILD

Landlord M.M. called E.B. over by saying "Come and I'll give you your ball back." M.M. took E.B., who had come to retrieve the ball, to his bedroom and sexually abused the child. He then frightened and threatened the child not to tell anyone.

E.B. went home in fear, and on 8 September could no longer bear it and told his grandmother and father O.B. what had happened.

NEIGHBOURHOOD RESIDENTS SPRAY-PAINTED MESSAGES ON THE ABUSER'S HOUSE

When neighbourhood residents learned of the abuse committed by M.M., who works as an auto mechanic, they were outraged. Residents stoned the house, then spray-painted messages on its walls such as 'child molester', 'only 8 years old', and 'justice will be served'.

NEIGHBOURHOOD RESIDENTS BEAT HIM

When the enraged residents spotted M.M. on the street, they beat him severely. M.M. was seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment. After completing his treatment, the suspect was taken into custody.

Father O.B., who said his son's psychological state had been turned upside down, stated: "We found out about the incident afterwards. While we were grieving for Narin and Sıla, this happened to us. My son is now receiving psychological treatment. His wife has apparently been telling the neighbours that we had a dispute over rent. We want him to receive the punishment he deserves."

After completing police procedures, M.M. was referred to the courthouse, where the court before which he appeared ordered his arrest.