Acquittal for 17 students in Ankara school harassment case

In an incident that occurred in 2023 at a middle school in Ankara's Çankaya district, a lawsuit was filed against 17 male students over allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of a 13-year-old female student. Following the collection of evidence and a forensic medical report during the investigation, the trial of the students began in 2024.

In the case heard in court, the Ankara 1st Juvenile High Criminal Court issued an acquittal for all defendants. The reasoned decision emphasized that there were contradictions in the victim's statements and that the allegations were not supported by definitive, credible evidence. It was also stated that the principle of "the defendant benefits from doubt" was observed.

The family did not accept the acquittal. The victim's lawyer, Berrin Yeşilyurt, stated in a press release regarding the decision that their rights were restricted during the legal process and that the case had been taken to the appellate court. Yeşilyurt said that the victim's side was not granted a full right to defense during the court phase and that the forensic report was ignored during the decision-making process.

Lawyer Yeşilyurt made the following statement regarding the matter:

"After the prosecutor's final opinion on the merits, the court did not give us the floor to present a defense in our capacity as the victim's representatives; our right to defense was effectively restricted. This situation is contrary to law and procedure and is absolutely unacceptable. Despite the fact that it was clearly established by the forensic report in the file that the victim was subjected to abuse, the court ignored it. Furthermore, in the final hearing, not only was our right to defense restricted, but we also witnessed the verdict being rendered without us being called into the courtroom and without the verdict being read in our presence. Following the decision, despite our statement to the court that the ruling wounded consciences and shook justice, the court panel left the courtroom in a hurry without even looking at us. We declare that we have not lost our faith that justice will be served through our appeal, and that the perpetrators will be ensured to receive the punishment they deserve at the maximum level."

Pointing out that cases of sexual abuse are on the rise in Turkey, Yeşilyurt stated that penalties should be more deterrent, adding, "It is a fact that individuals prone to crime easily carry out these acts by exploiting the innocence of innocent children who lack malice. It is absolutely unacceptable for courts to ignore and disregard these acts, as if rewarding them, when penalties should be at a level that is deterrent and prevents recidivism."

Finally, noting that protecting child defendants creates long-term negative effects on victims, lawyer Yeşilyurt emphasized that victims of sexual abuse may experience serious psychological problems in their later lives. The family announced that they will continue their legal struggle to ensure that justice is truly served.