Ahmet Aslansoy sexual harassment trial adjourned in Gaziantep

The trial of Ahmet Aslansoy, owner of Aslansoy Tekstil in Gaziantep, has been adjourned until November 3. Aslansoy faces charges of sexual harassment and qualified sexual assault against a female worker employed as a tea server at his factory.

During the hearing at the Gaziantep 9th Criminal Court of First Instance, defense lawyers argued that social media posts and news reports were intended to influence the court and target the defendant. They also challenged the legality of audio recordings included in the case file. In response, lawyers for the complainant accused the defense of deviating from the merits of the case and attempting to target the victim by scrutinizing her behavior following the incident.

The complainant's legal team requested that the defendant receive the maximum sentence without any reductions or postponements. Before the hearing, various organizations, including the Gaziantep Women's Platform, the Gaziantep Bar Association Women's Rights Center, and the United Textile, Weaving and Leather Workers' Union (BİRTEK-SEN), gathered at the courthouse to show solidarity with the worker.

Labor Party (EMEP) Gaziantep Deputy Sevda Karaca emphasized that the case represents a struggle for justice for all female workers, noting that the investigation had previously faced delays before being reactivated.