Allegations of child abuse at a Quran course affiliated with the İsmailağa community: Eğitim-İş files criminal complaint

The incident that led to the criminal complaint by Eğitim-İş emerged when children staying at a Quran course belonging to the Uluçınar Association, which is affiliated with the İsmailağa community, were sent to a Quran course belonging to the Orhaneli Dağımder Association—also affiliated with the same community—due to renovations at their original course. According to the allegations, it was reported to the public that at least five children aged 10-12 were subjected to sexual abuse during this period.

The statement expressed that despite the sexual abuse case being discovered, attempts were made to cover it up, and the institutions responsible for oversight failed to perform their duties. Eğitim-İş criticized, in particular, the Bursa Mufti's Office and the Provincial Directorate of National Education for their negligence.

The Bursa branch of Eğitim-İş stated that keeping children of compulsory education age in dormitories belonging to religious communities causes great harm to secular and scientific education. The statement noted that in such unregulated environments, children face not only physical but also spiritual abuse threats.

Eğitim-İş argued that the erosion of KYK scholarships and the transfer of educational institutions to religious communities endanger the future of children. "In a system where the Ministry of National Education does not fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, the occurrence of such cases is inevitable," it said.

CALL TO STRUGGLE

Eğitim-İş announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against the institutions affiliated with the İsmailağa community, as well as officials from the Bursa Provincial and Orhaneli District Directorates of National Education and the Bursa Mufti's Office for failing to fulfill their oversight duties.

The union called on the public to be sensitive toward such structures and to take decisive steps to protect their children. "We will not turn a blind eye to the pressure and abuse of religious sects and communities for the sake of our children's future," said Eğitim-İş, emphasizing that the struggle on this issue will be continued with determination.

"WE MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR CHILDREN"

Finally, Eğitim-İş reminded that it is the state's constitutional duty to ensure children are raised in safe, secular, scientific, and public educational environments, and pointed out that the vast space religious sects have gained in the field of education must be closed. The statement, which said, "Our people must raise their voices for the future of their children and support teachers," has caused a major stir in public opinion.

News Source: 12punto