Trial of Dr. Ender Saraç for 'sexual abuse' of his son continues

Dr. Mehmet Ender Saraç continues to stand trial over allegations that he 'sexually abused' his 13-year-old son, M.S., in Beşiktaş between 2017 and 2021.

Speaking for the first time in the case, the complainant mother stated, 'I am not a complainant because I do not believe he committed such an act.' The court ruled for the appointment of a representative trustee for the victim, M.S., on the grounds that he is under 15 years of age and unable to represent himself.

The hearing held at the Istanbul 34th High Criminal Court was attended by the defendant, Ender Saraç, who is being tried without arrest, and the complainant, Benan Saraç.

Attorneys for both parties were also present at the hearing.

''I DID NOT BELIEVE IT, I QUESTIONED IT, I COULD NOT IMAGINE IT''

Testifying at the hearing, complainant Benan Saraç said, 'My child mentioned it to me a few weeks before he went to school and told his teacher. I did not believe it, I questioned it, I could not imagine it; I did not think such a thing could happen. I thought my son might have done such a thing out of anger and rage. He had a medical report and was resting at home, but he wanted to go to school, and I gave him permission; I did not want to break his heart. I received a call from one of his school guidance counselors. I went and we talked; I told them that my son had explained the situation to me. I did not go to file a complaint immediately because I knew my son was angry with his father; later, I was forced to file a complaint because I had to stand by my son. The other side made accusations as if I had made my child do this; I am not a mother who would burn her child over such a matter. If that were the case, I would have filed my complaint on the first day.'

''I AM NOT A COMPLAINANT BECAUSE I DO NOT BELIEVE HE COMMITTED SUCH AN ACT''

Continuing her testimony, complainant Benan Saraç stated, 'When the matter reached the guidance office, I was forced to file a complaint, but at the same time, I continued to question my child. I cannot lose my child. I was not particularly directive either. I always kept in mind that he was at the age of puberty and that he was affected by our arguments with his father. Ultimately, my son confessed the truth to me while crying. He said that such an incident did not happen; my child was in a state of great disappointment with his father because the father was committing violence against me in front of the children. I never obtained a medical report for assault; I did not want the incident to be reflected in the press. Upon this, I called the Children's Bureau in Üsküdar and told them what my son had told me, and we gave statements again. I did not use my children for money or for a divorce case; that is a complete lie. Furthermore, I am not a complainant regarding the 'sexual abuse' charge against the defendant because I do not believe he committed such an act.'

''THAT HIS FATHER WALKED AROUND THE HOUSE NAKED...''

The guidance counselor, who was heard as a witness at the hearing, said, 'I was the psychological counselor for the 5th and 8th grades. While I was in my office, my student M.S. came in. He had a piece of paper in his hand and said, "Where should I leave my medical report?" I told him to deliver it to teacher İlknur. He stated that he wanted to tell me something else; he said that his father walked around the house naked and used gel. Then I called his mother. Our student came back at 14:00 with his mother. After meeting with the mother and the child, they left the school.'

''I WANT TO RETURN TO MY REAL LIFE''

Stating that the claim of him committing violence is absolutely a lie, defendant Ender Saraç said, 'I did not even strike my children once. I laugh off the statement about me walking around the house naked. There are cameras everywhere in the house, including the toilet and bathroom, 24/7. I have been subjected to a very unfair slander. I have suffered material and moral damage. I have mobilized all my resources for my children. I have been seriously harmed. I want to be acquitted as soon as possible and return to my real life.'

REPRESENTATIVE TRUSTEE TO BE APPOINTED FOR THE VICTIM CHILD

Announcing its interim decision, the court ruled for the appointment of a representative trustee for the victim child M.S. on the grounds that he is under 15 years of age and unable to represent himself, and adjourned the hearing to allow M.S. to be heard in the next session.

FROM THE INDICTMENT

The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the investigation began on December 5, 2023, after the school administration where the victim M.S. was enrolled reported the records they had kept to the police.

The prepared indictment noted that there was no serious reason for the victim M.S. to slander the suspect Mehmet Ender Saraç on a matter concerning his honor and dignity, that there was no prior hostility between them, that the victim had told the incident to his teachers at school, that the mother was involved in the incident later, and that there was no possibility that the statements of the child, who opened up to his teachers, were under the influence of guidance or consisted of a fabrication; for this reason, it was concluded that the victim's initial statement was sincere and reflected the truth.

The prepared indictment requested that the suspect Mehmet Ender Saraç be sentenced to imprisonment from 12 years to 22 years and 6 months for the crime of 'child sexual abuse'.

News Source: İHA