Down syndrome child denied entry to playground in Ankara: Erdal Beşikçioğlu announces

A 7-year-old child with Down syndrome was denied entry to a playground located inside the Gimsa Park shopping mall in the Etimesgut district.

While other children of the same age were allowed to enter the area, the child being excluded solely due to their differences was met with a strong reaction from their teacher.

STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY

In a statement made by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, it was said, "Following the footage, our provincial directorate teams took immediate action, met with the child's family, and provided psychosocial support. As a Ministry, a criminal complaint has been filed against the business in question under the 'hate and discrimination' crime provision of the Turkish Penal Code. We state that all our children have equal rights and that we will act with a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, and we inform the public that we will follow the process meticulously."

ERDAL BEŞİKÇİOĞLU: "THE BUSINESS HAS BEEN SEALED"

Etimesgut Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu announced that the business determined to have denied entry to the child with Down syndrome to the ball pit has been sealed.

Beşikçioğlu stated the following in his announcement:

"Within the scope of routine inspections carried out at Gimsa market branches throughout our district, it has been determined that children's play areas in some branches were operating without the necessary legal permits and licenses. Accordingly, the play areas determined to be operated in violation of the regulations have been sealed by our municipal police teams and their operations have been terminated.

The actions in question were carried out not only to fulfill legal requirements but also as a result of evaluating notifications and complaints received from our citizens. In particular, the investigations conducted following the distressing incident reflected in the public eye recently, regarding a child with Down syndrome not being allowed into a play area, have also been included in this process.

As Etimesgut Municipality, our primary priority is to ensure that every individual living in our district receives services in equal, safe, and healthy environments. Within this framework, just as no unlicensed and unsupervised activity will be tolerated, discrimination or exclusionary practices will absolutely not be permitted.

Respectfully announced to the public."

Within the scope of routine inspections carried out at Gimsa market branches throughout our district, it has been determined that children's play areas in some branches were operating without the necessary legal permits and licenses. Accordingly, the play areas determined to be operated in violation of the regulations… pic.twitter.com/ZznvWe2evE

— Erdal Beşikcioğlu (@erdalbeskcioglu) April 11, 2025

News Source: 12punto