06.02.2025 13:00
In Izmir, at the Seferihisar Municipality, 5 staff members, including 3 managers, attempted the popular social media trend of "burning cologne" on a disabled employee. The employee, who was doused with cologne and set on fire under the guise of a "joke," suffered burns on their face. As part of the investigation launched, 2 staff members, including 1 manager, have been taken into custody.
On January 31, five personnel, including three directors, working at the Seferihisar Municipality in İzmir, played an unbelievable "prank" on the staff working in the municipality's disabled quota. Allegedly, the five employees tested the popular TikTok trend of "burning cologne" on mentally disabled staff member Murat Sakarya.
THEY POURED COLOGNE ON HIM AND SET HIM ON FIRE
The five personnel poured cologne on Sakarya, known in the district by the nickname "Efe," and set him on fire. As a result of the prank, Sakarya suffered burns on his face. He was taken to Seferihisar Necat Hepkon State Hospital and was discharged after treatment.
2 PERSONNEL TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
While the Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident, teams from the District Police Department took Seferihisar Municipality Public Relations Director Ö.A. and one other staff member into custody. The statements of the three personnel present at the scene were also taken. In their statements, the municipal employees said that they tried the trend they saw on TikTok as a joke on a friend they loved, but they did not think the outcome could be like this and expressed their regret. Seferihisar Mayor İsmail Yetişkin stated in his remarks regarding the incident, "It would not be appropriate for me to speak at this time as the process is ongoing. Necessary decisions will be made after the investigation."
"AN INHUMAN INCIDENT THAT DEEPLY HURT THEIR CONSCIENCES"
AK Party Seferihisar District Chairman Serdar Kısaağa, in a written statement, said, "The fact that a disabled citizen was subjected to such a horrific treatment in their working environment reveals the irresponsibility and lack of oversight of the municipal administration. İsmail Yetişkin and his administration have failed not only in municipal services but also in ensuring the safety of their employees. This inhumane incident has deeply hurt consciences. The tragic event that occurred is not only a torment but has also turned into a cover-up scandal. Those responsible must be immediately suspended, legal proceedings must be initiated without delay, and necessary support must be provided to the victimized employee. We will never allow this ugly incident, which tramples on human dignity, to be covered up. We will follow up on the matter," he said.