A march was held in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari following allegations that a 13-year-old child had been subjected to sexual abuse by two adults on different occasions. The demonstration, led by the DEM Party, was attended by members of parliament, municipal co-mayors, civil society organizations, and citizens.
The march drew attention to issues such as violence against women and children, drug abuse, and prostitution. Participants chanted slogans of “Woman, life, freedom,” and the signs carried called for the clarification of abuse allegations and the protection of children's rights.
Ömür Çiftçi, Vice President of the Star Women's Association, stated in her address that violence, abuse, and murders against women and children cannot be considered isolated incidents. Çiftçi argued that these events are linked to the male-dominated system and policies of impunity.
“The allegations of abuse against a 13-year-old child in Yüksekova are part of this picture. Having gained the love and trust of the community does not give anyone the right to claim ownership over the bodies and lives of children.”
Çiftçi stated that the process regarding the individuals named in the allegations must be conducted without discrimination and called for the protection of the child's identity and privacy. In her speech, Çiftçi also mentioned the cases of Rojin Kabaiş, Gülistan Doku, and İpek Er, expressing that the women's struggle has been decisive in keeping these files on the agenda.
DEM Party Hakkari MP Öznur Bartın also stated in her speech that the incident came to light through the account of a guidance counselor. Bartın noted that the family filed a criminal complaint on October 20, and the allegations became visible following the statement taken at the Child Monitoring Center on October 21.
Bartın raised questions regarding the judicial process of the file, demanding that the public be informed about what actions have been taken regarding the preservation of digital evidence and the investigation of statements. Stating that it was reported the prosecutor in charge of the file has been on leave for two weeks, Bartın said, “What has been done so far? Nothing has been done; there is silence.”
Statements made during the action emphasized that allegations of sexual abuse against children must be investigated effectively, the victim's privacy must be protected, and the perception of impunity in similar cases must be prevented.
News Source: 12punto
