Lawyer for baby Rana's family responds to 'sexual abuse' allegations: 'They are misleading the public'

Speaking to reporters at the vacant lot in Başak Neighborhood where the incident occurred, Yılmaz said that the autopsy procedures for baby Rana were carried out meticulously at the Konya Forensic Medicine Institute and that a preliminary report had been prepared.

Stating that the judicial investigation is being conducted with diligence, Yılmaz said, "It has been observed that baseless and speculative allegations, which are contrary to the statements of official authorities and the course of the ongoing investigation, are being circulated on some social media accounts and in the press. Such unfounded claims are misleading the public."

"THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE"

Emphasizing that he also possesses the death examination and autopsy report, Yılmaz noted the following:

"The allegations circulating on social media regarding an abuse incident, that no autopsy was performed, that the family was forcibly sent to Syria, and that this was not caused by dogs are absolutely baseless. In the autopsy report of the Konya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it is confirmed that there are animal bites on many parts of the body during the external examination of the corpse. There is absolutely no question of sexual abuse. Samples taken from the body have been sent to the Antalya Forensic Medicine Institute for the final report."

Emphasizing that the baseless slanders regarding baby Rana have further increased the family's pain, Yılmaz spoke as follows:

"I will initiate legal proceedings against all social media accounts that continue to spread baseless allegations and against individuals who come to the neighborhood to incite the public. The family has been worn out enough. I have the autopsy report in my possession; the incident is solely a dog attack. The prosecutor's office and relevant units will do what is necessary regarding the individuals and institutions that have negligence. We will also provide the necessary support."

On March 7, 2-year-old Syrian national Rana El Selci was attacked by stray dogs on Şehit Erdal Özçelik Street in Başak Neighborhood, and the injured baby could not be saved despite the intervention at Konya City Hospital, where she was taken by ambulance.

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç had announced that an investigation had been launched into the incident by the Konya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.