Sexual abuse of a child earthquake survivor in Malatya: Statement from the Governor's Office

A suspect detained on allegations of sexually abusing a young girl in Malatya has been arrested.

In a written statement issued by the Malatya Governor's Office, it was stated that a statement was deemed necessary following reports that "a 7-year-old girl living in a container city for earthquake survivors had been sexually abused and was in intensive care."

The statement, which noted that teams from the Provincial Police Department launched an investigation following a report that the minor child had gone missing on March 18, included the following:

"The victim was found within the container city on March 18 at approximately 19:30. The suspect, identified as A.C., who has 4 prior criminal records, was apprehended and arrested by the court on March 19, 2024, on charges of child sexual abuse. Contrary to the content of reports in the press and on social media, there are no negative issues regarding the health status of the minor victim, and she was handed over to her family following the procedures."

"It should be known by the esteemed public that in this ongoing investigation, the best interests of the minor victim were kept at the forefront without allowing for any lapses."

News Source: AA