Antalya court sentences man to 30 years for child abuse

An Antalya court has sentenced a 47-year-old man, identified as O. E., to 30 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. The victim, a fourth-grade student at the time, was abused for approximately one year within the home where the suspect lived with the child's mother under a religious marriage.

The abuse was discovered after the child disclosed the incidents to her mother and a school guidance counselor. During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had used threats, including telling the child he would kill her mother, and attempted to bribe her to remain silent.

While the prosecution initially sought a higher sentence, the court applied a 30-year legal upper limit. The defendant, who was being tried without arrest while serving time for another crime, did not attend the final hearing. The court also issued a warrant for his arrest to ensure his imprisonment.