Scandal at a Diyanet-affiliated Quran course: Allegations of sexual abuse against 17 children
An investigation has been launched into İbrahim K., a supervisor at a boarding Quran course for boys affiliated with the Diyanet in Bahçelievler, following allegations that he sexually abused 17 children aged 10 to 13.
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A scandalous allegation has emerged regarding İbrahim K., a supervisor working at a boarding Quran course for boys operating under the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Bahçelievler, Istanbul. The accusations that 17 children between the ages of 10 and 13 were sexually abused came to light after a teacher at an Imam Hatip middle school overheard the children talking among themselves. Following the teacher's report to the prosecutor's office, the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office immediately launched an investigation.
STATEMENTS TAKEN IN THE PRESENCE OF A PEDAGOGUE
Following the investigation, İbrahim K. was taken into custody. The victimized children gave their statements over the weekend at the Bakırköy Child Monitoring Center in the presence of a pedagogue. The children described the abuse they experienced at the course in detail. The statements indicated that the incidents were repetitive and that some children were withdrawn from formal education and directed toward open education, yet they continued to attend the course.
İbrahim K. ARRESTED
Following the prosecutor's investigation, the supervisor İbrahim K. was arrested and sent to prison. According to the allegations, the suspect had left the course in September. However, some of the children stated that despite course administrators witnessing the events, no intervention was made.
EDUCATION CONTINUES AT THE COURSE, NO ACTION TAKEN
It has been learned that no administrative or legal action has been taken against the Quran course at the center of the scandal so far. Moreover, it is stated that most of the victimized children are still attending the same course. While attempts were made to keep the incident hidden from the public, the silence of the authorities regarding the matter has drawn attention.
TİMUR SOYKAN: THE INCIDENT IS BEING CONCEALED
BirGün newspaper columnist Timur Soykan wrote that attempts were made to cover up the incident and that the public was not informed. He noted that authorized institutions have maintained their silence even after the scandal came to light.
MUFTI MAINTAINS SILENCE
Bahçelievler Mufti Mustafa Kayış, meanwhile, limited his response to the matter by stating only that “the file has been referred to the judiciary.”