Child abuse convictions in Turkey

Legal proceedings in Turkey have resulted in significant prison sentences for individuals convicted of child sexual abuse.

In Antalya, a court sentenced a 47-year-old man to 30 years in prison for the abuse of a 12-year-old girl. The investigation revealed the suspect used threats and bribery to maintain silence. The court issued an arrest warrant for the defendant, who did not attend the final hearing.

In Ankara, a 12th High Criminal Court sentenced both a mother and a father to 30 years in prison each for the qualified sexual abuse of their daughter. The victim, a 12th-grade student, reported to a school guidance counselor that the abuse occurred over approximately three years. The victim testified that her father used psychological pressure and forced her to take birth control pills, while her mother assisted in the situation.

Following the report, the child was placed under state protection. During the investigation, birth control pills were recovered at the family residence. While the father denied the allegations, the mother initially confirmed the victim’s account to authorities before changing her testimony during the trial. The court applied no discretionary reductions, treating the mother as a joint perpetrator for her role in facilitating the abuse.