03.03.2026 15:25
Fatma Nur Çelik, who fought for justice against abuse in Istanbul, and her daughter H.İ.Ş. lost their lives. The Ministry of Family and Social Services also made a notable statement regarding the matter.
Fatmanur Çelik, who claims to have been abused by a foundation manager, and her daughter H.İ.Ş. were found dead last night in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul. Mother Çelik had been holding a vigil for justice for some time, demanding that the foundation manager be punished for the 'abuse' allegations.
ANNOUNCED ON SOCIAL MEDIA The Association for Children and Women stated on its social media account, "We have received the news of the death of our clients, mother Fatma Nur Çelik and her daughter H.İ.Ş, with deep sorrow in our fight against abuse," it said.
“WE WILL HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE” The association's post included the statement, "Our clients could no longer endure the siege of reactionaries and the heavy pain inflicted upon them. As the Association for Children and Women, we promise that we will hold accountable for every life we have lost until the end."
MINISTRY MADE A STATEMENT The Ministry of Family and Social Services made a statement following reports that "the bodies of a mother and daughter were found on Zeytinburnu beach." It was stated in the announcement that a Health and Counseling Measure was applied by the Istanbul Anatolian 2nd Children's Court regarding the child who was allegedly abused by her biological father, and that necessary work was carried out to ensure that the treatment process was not interrupted after it was understood that the child's health checks were not being conducted regularly. However, it was reported that positive responses could not be obtained to the referrals due to the mother's rejecting attitudes.
It was noted in the announcement that information was received that the child was hospitalized in a private foundation hospital on February 13 and that the treatment process was being monitored. It was expressed: "The health board report indicated that the child's inpatient psychiatric treatment might be necessary. Nevertheless, it was reported by experts that the mother did not accept the proposed treatments and referrals. Due to the child's health condition being at risk, an emergency protection order was issued on March 2, and the matter was referred to the judicial authorities. On the same day, the address was visited, but no one could be reached. Information was received in the evening that the mother and child had lost their lives. This tragic event has deeply saddened us all. The matter is being investigated by the judicial authorities. Furthermore, throughout the process, it is irresponsible and untrue for some media outlets and non-governmental organizations to distort the process and portray the Ministry's efforts to protect the mother and child as an 'attempt to separate the mother and child.' It is unacceptable to present the steps taken in the best interest of the child in a way that creates a different perception in the public eye. On this sad occasion, we once again invite all media members and NGOs to act sensitively and meticulously in accordance with the guidance of the authorities on such matters."
WHAT HAPPENED? In Istanbul, Fatma Nur Çelik claimed that she was abused at a young age by a foundation manager years ago, and later married this person, alleging that her daughter H.İ.Ş. was also subjected to abuse from the age of 3. While the case was ongoing, Çelik had been holding a vigil in front of the Anadolu Courthouse in Kartal, Istanbul, demanding justice and calling for public support.