14.07.2026 12:31
It was alleged that a 14-year-old child with Down syndrome, autism, and epilepsy was subjected to violence at a special education center in Elazığ. The family filed a criminal complaint, and a judicial and administrative investigation was launched.
It was alleged that a 14-year-old child with Down syndrome, autism, and epilepsy was subjected to violence at a special education and rehabilitation center in Elazığ. A judicial and administrative investigation has been launched into the incident, for which the family filed a criminal complaint.
NOTICED BRUISES ON HIS CHILD'S BODY
It was alleged that a 14-year-old child with Down syndrome, autism, and epilepsy was subjected to violence at a special education and rehabilitation center where he was receiving education. After noticing injuries and bruises on his child's body, father Mehmet Yalçın obtained a medical report for assault and filed a criminal complaint against those responsible for the center. A judicial and administrative investigation has been opened into the incident.
Father Mehmet Yalçın stated that after the incident, the center officials he spoke with claimed the assault was carried out by another student with special needs, but this explanation did not convince him. Yalçın emphasized that camera systems should be installed in the classrooms and hallways of special education institutions.
"SERIOUS NEGLIGENCE INVOLVED"
Cansu Korkmaz, a board member of the Turkish Down Syndrome Association who came to Elazığ to support the family and intervene in the judicial process, said they would follow up on the matter.
Korkmaz noted that the center informed the family on the day of the incident, and after sharing evidence showing the child had been assaulted, the family filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office.
Korkmaz added that the Elazığ Governorship announced it would launch an administrative investigation through the Provincial Directorate of National Education, saying, "Although the allegation suggests another student with special needs carried out the assault, there is serious negligence on the part of the special education and rehabilitation center. As legal professionals and the Turkish Down Syndrome Association, we are in pursuit of the material truth and justice. If there were cameras in the classrooms of this rehabilitation center, we could clearly see who committed this assault, this violence against our young individual."
Emphasizing that the perpetrator of the incident could be clearly identified if a camera system were installed in classrooms, Korkmaz said they believe the prosecutor's office will conduct an effective and comprehensive investigation.
"CAMERAS MUST BE INSTALLED"
Stating that installing cameras in special education classrooms is essential, Korkmaz added, "These negligence cases are unfortunately not isolated, and they will never be the last. If a camera system is implemented in classrooms, especially special education classrooms, in line with the Council of State's decision, and if this is secured through legislation, only then can we prevent such incidents. We call on the Ministry of National Education to make a regulatory change as soon as possible and install this camera system inside classrooms. Our interlocutor in this matter is not the rehabilitation center but the prosecutor's office. As an association, we will also intervene through the family."
ALLEGATION OF "PROLONGED VIOLENCE"
Father Mehmet Yalçın also stated that the incident does not concern only his son, saying, "I believe that many children with special needs in various parts of Turkey who cannot raise their voices are subjected to similar incidents. Together with my son, we want to start a struggle on this issue and prevent other children from being harmed. He could have been more seriously injured, or even lost his life."
Expressing that their suspicions about what happened persist, Yalçın said, "We do not think this incident involved violence that could have happened in five minutes. There are findings suggesting my son was subjected to prolonged violence. We want audio and video camera systems in classrooms and common areas. This would both reassure parents and reveal the true responsible parties in similar incidents."
STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNORSHIP
In a statement regarding the issue, the Elazığ Governorship provided the following information: "An administrative and judicial process has been initiated to shed light on all aspects of the incident. Inspectors from the Provincial Directorate of National Education have been assigned, and the incident is being examined meticulously."