"Scandalous defense of 2 perverts attempting to rape a young woman."

On September 23, 2024, in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, the investigation against suspects Ömer Konu (27) and Semir Tarhan (31), who harassed young İremşan A. (25) by blocking her path, knocking her to the ground, and climbing on top of her while she was walking home, has been completed. In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that the complainant İremşan A. had consumed alcohol at a nightclub on the day of the incident and left around 4:00 AM to go home, and while walking on the street, she was approached by the previously unknown suspects Ömer Konu and Semir Tarhan, who blocked her path and touched her shoulder.

"KNOCKED HER DOWN AND CLIMBED ON TOP OF HER"

The indictment stated that although İremşan A. tried to escape, the suspects cornered her, during which Semir Tarhan grabbed the complainant's waist, made contact with her body, stroked her hair, and did not let go, even knocking her down and climbing on top of her. It was also mentioned in the indictment that the other suspect, Ömer Konu, was surveying the surroundings, and when nearby people witnessed the incident, they intervened and removed the suspects.

ONE OF THE SUSPECTS SAID HE REGRETTED HIS ACTIONS

In the indictment, it was noted that suspect Ömer Konu stated in his testimony that he might have touched the complainant in good faith, while the other suspect Semir Tarhan expressed regret for his actions. Additionally, it was reported that the suspects blocked İremşan A.'s path while she was under the influence of alcohol and in a state where she could not be aware of herself, restricting her freedom and committing sexual assault by kissing, touching, and hugging her.

UP TO 30 YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT SOUGHT

The indictment stated that there was no prior animosity between the complainant İremşan A. and the suspects, and therefore, there was no situation that would require İremşan A. to falsely accuse the suspects. In the prepared indictment, it was requested that suspects Ömer Konu and Semir Tarhan be sentenced to a total of 10 years and 6 months to 30 years in prison for the crimes of 'deprivation of liberty' and 'simple sexual assault' against a person who is unable to defend themselves physically or mentally. The trial of the suspects will begin in the coming days at the Istanbul Criminal Court of First Instance.