Statement by Feminist Lawyers Regarding Sexual Abuse of a Five-Year-Old Child

"You have to be the voice that a child cannot raise" "Rape cannot be legitimized"

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After the residents of Kanarya Neighborhood in Küçükçekmece, İstanbul heard that a five-year-old girl was hospitalized after being sexually abused, the residents of the neighborhood have again taken to the streets. A confidentiality order has also been issued for the investigation.

Speaking about the incident, the lawyers of the family have complained that misinformation has been circulating on social media regarding the abusers and health condition of the child.

CLICK - 5-Year-Old Child Sexually Abused in İstanbul

Feminist lawyers side by side with the family

Stating that they are following the incident as feminist lawyers, Diren Cevahir Şen has stated that the information not shared by the lawyers is unreliable:

"For instance, the child has not lost her life or is not in intensive care unit. Her health condition is described differently. The child is in good medical condition, she is expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow.

"Inaccurate information is being shared about the perpetrator, which damages the investigation. There is no information suggesting that the perpetrators are from Syria. We are also waiting for the statement of Prosecutor's Office. We are in contact with them. The family is also uncomfortable with the situation."

Kerestecioğlu: Make news by confirming information

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Ankara MP Filiz Kerestecioğlu has come to Küçükçekmece to receive information regarding the issue. Making a statement, Kerestecioğlu has said,

"Please report on the issue by first confirming the information. Ending up with something more dramatic would benefit no one.

"Have the violence against children, harassment and rape come to an end? We requested that a commission for children's rights be established in the Parliament, we said 'Don't remember children only on April 23 [Children's Day].' These requests can only be granted if you struggle for them.

"What matters is the prevention of these crimes. What matters is to prevent the occurrence of such incidents. Children should not be subjected to violence at their homes, either. If children living next door are subjected to violence, we should also raise our voices for them. I am inviting especially women to be more sensitive about this issue." (EMK/AÖ/SD)