Investigation permission denied following death of Rojin Kabaiş: Reaction from Van Bar Association

A new development has occurred in the ongoing investigation into the death of Rojin Kabaiş, who lost her life at a dormitory in Van. The application made by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to open an investigation into the managers responsible for the dormitory where the incident took place was rejected by the Van Governorship Provincial Administrative Board. The decision has sparked reactions among the public and legal circles.

The Van Bar Association issued a written statement, which included the following assessments:

'Within the scope of the investigation conducted into the suspicious death of Rojin Kabaiş, despite the clear faults and negligence of the dormitory management where the incident occurred, the Van Governorship Provincial Administrative Board did not grant permission for an investigation upon the request of the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. It is clear that the state has a positive obligation to investigate allegations of violations of the right to life, especially in cases of women's deaths, in an effective and transparent manner in every aspect. Conversely, the decision not to grant investigation permission by administrative authorities is a manifestation of an approach that prevents the truth from being revealed, reinforces the perception of impunity, and renders the responsibility of public officials invisible.'

The Bar Association emphasized that they are against the disregard for the responsibility of institutions and officials, stating that the decision taken shakes public trust in the legal system. The statement noted that the state has an obligation to conduct an effective investigation, especially when it comes to the deaths of women, and that otherwise, the right to access justice is undermined.

PREPARATION FOR LEGAL APPEAL

The Bar Association's statement also included the following expressions:

'Acting with a reflex to protect the administration and its affiliated institutions in cases of suspicious deaths of women is unacceptable. Such decisions undermine both the right to access justice and public trust in the judiciary. No administrative action that does not prioritize the right to life of women is legitimate. As the Van Bar Association, we respectfully announce to the public that we will apply for a legal appeal against the decision not to grant investigation permission regarding the dormitory administration and its staff in the Rojin Kabaiş file, that we will follow the process until the end, and that we will continue our legal and social struggle against the covering up of violations of the right to life with determination. With the reality that the deaths of women are not isolated but a structural problem, we reiterate our demand for effective investigation, accountability, and justice once again.'

News Source: 12punto