12.12.2025 10:01
Allegations that female interns at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) were subjected to sexual harassment have caused a significant public outcry. While a parliamentary staff member was arrested as part of the investigation, statements suggesting that attempts were made to cover up the allegations have heightened reactions. It was claimed that the female student reported her situation to her female supervisor, who allegedly responded, "You won't tell anyone, not even your family."
Following the claim of a female student who interned at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) for the 2024-2025 academic year that she was sexually harassed by a staff member in the Assembly Restaurant, the process has been taken to court. The student's family submitted an official complaint to the TBMM General Secretariat on November 19, 2025.
ASSEMBLY EMPLOYEE ARRESTED
In the judicial process initiated after the complaint, H.İ.G., a TBMM employee alleged to be the perpetrator of the sexual harassment against the student identified as D.K., was arrested by the court on charges of "sexual harassment against a child." It was learned that the suspect worked in the Assembly Restaurant.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TBMM GENERAL SECRETARIAT
In a written statement made by the TBMM General Secretariat, it was reminded that a complaint was submitted by the family of an intern student on November 19, 2025. The statement noted that an administrative investigation was initiated on November 20, 2025, and that the process was being conducted meticulously.
It was further stated in the announcement that a public employee working as a chef was suspended from duty on December 4, 2025, and that the investigation regarding other individuals involved in the complaint was ongoing. It was anticipated that the investigation would be completed by December 12, 2025, and that necessary disciplinary actions, including dismissal from public service and termination of employment, would be applied, and the findings would be shared with judicial authorities.
WOMAN SUPERVISOR'S "DON'T TELL ANYONE" STATEMENT
According to a report by Sözcü, during the same process, a second harassment allegation came from another intern who had to leave the institution. The young person claimed that they told their female supervisor about their experiences, but the supervisor allegedly told them, "You will not tell anyone about the incident, not even your family."