08.05.2026 00:57
Ankara 1st Child Heavy Criminal Court acquitted 17 children pushed to crime in a case opened over allegations that they harassed a female student at a middle school. The victim's family objected to the decision. Lawyer Berrin Yeşilyurt said, 'Although the victim's judicial report in the file clearly proves that she was abused, it was ignored by the court.'
A lawsuit has been filed against 17 male students at a secondary school in Ankara's Çankaya district, alleging they harassed and abused a 13-year-old female classmate in the school's restroom.
After the female student claimed she was subjected to verbal and physical harassment and abuse in 2023 and informed her family, an investigation led to charges being filed in 2024 against 17 minors from the same school. A forensic medical report prepared after the girl's examination concluded that the abuse was confirmed.
In the trial held at Ankara 1st Child Heavy Penal Court, the children involved in the crime were acquitted.
COURT: VICTIM'S TESTIMONY CONTRADICTORY, DEFENDANT BENEFITS FROM DOUBT
The court's reasoning stated that apart from the victim's contradictory testimony that deviated from the normal course of life, there was no sufficient, conclusive, or credible evidence that the defendants committed aggravated sexual abuse, simple sexual abuse, or threats against the child. The court ruled that under the principle of "benefit of the doubt to the defendant," an extension of the presumption of innocence, doubtful and unresolved events and allegations could not be interpreted against the children to establish a conviction.
LAWYER: FORENSIC REPORT IGNORED BY COURT
The family's lawyer, Berrin Yeşilyurt, said the acquittal decision by Ankara 1st Child Heavy Penal Court has damaged trust in the law and pained consciences. Appealing the decision, Lawyer Yeşilyurt stated:
"After the court's opinion on the merits, we were not given the floor for defense as the victim, effectively restricting our right to defense. This is illegal and procedurally against the law, and absolutely unacceptable. Although the victim's forensic report in the file openly confirms the abuse, it was ignored by the court. In the final hearing, our right to defense was restricted, and we witnessed that the decision was made without summoning us to the courtroom for the verdict and without reading it out to our faces. After the decision, when we stated that the decision pained consciences and undermined justice, the court panel hurriedly left the room without even looking at us. We trust that with our appeal to the appellate court, justice will be served and the perpetrators will receive the maximum punishment they deserve."
"COURTS IGNORING THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE"
Yeşilyurt, noting that sexual abuse cases are increasing daily in Turkey, said, "It is clear that individuals prone to crime easily commit these acts by exploiting the innocence of pure and guileless children. While punishments should be deterrent and prevent reoffending, courts' ignoring and dismissing such acts as if rewarding them should never be acceptable."
Berrin Yeşilyurt emphasized that the concept of children involved in crime has undeniably reached a different dimension given recent events, and added:
"Still protecting these children, with the perception that their innocent lives should not be ruined and they should not be punished, paves the way for further acts that harm others. Sexual abuse can cause problems for victims in later stages of life, such as trust issues, difficulties in relationships, engaging in risky relationships, being in risky environments, developing bad habits, and problems in marital life. The effects of crimes against sexual integrity are not momentary; they have severe consequences that permeate the victim's entire life."