Academic's Sentence for Sexual Assault Reduced Because 'It Could Affect his Future'

*"We are not safe in the campus," a banner reads in a student protest.

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The case against Assoc. Prof. M.N.M. for sexually assaulting Assistant Prof. T.Ö. at Namık Kemal University has been concluded at the 1st Penal Court of First Instance in the northwestern province of Tekirdağ.

Both academics and their lawyers were present at the verdict hearing.

T.Ö. stated in the hearing that her complaint against the defendant continues and requested his punishment.

Speaking after her, M.N.M. said, "I didn't sexually harass her. I don't have a problem with my wife. This woman became friends with me, then defamed me. I don't accept allegations. I want my acquittal."

Announcing its verdict, the court ruled that N.M.M. shall be sentenced to 2 years in prison for "sexual assault." It increased the sentence by half because the defendant "misused the influence that comes from public service relations," and ruled for a 3-year prison sentence.

The court then reduced the sentence to 2 years and 6 months considering "the behavior and attitude of the defendant during the trial period," and "possible effects of the sentence on the future of the defendant."

The court also sentenced the defendants to 3 months in prison for "disturbing the peace," and reduced that sentence to 2 months and 15 days for the same reason.

Lawyers criticized the decision, asking why the court did not think about the sexually assaulted woman's future. (EMK/VK)