Child abuser's family celebrates his release with music

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Having sexually abused his 17-year-old niece in Kızıltepe in Turkey's southeastern province of Mardin, Osman Ç. has been released from prison despite evidence. He has been welcomed by his family in a musical ceremony where drums and zurna (a wind instrument) were played.

Yücel Ceylan, the founder and Vice Chair of Teacher Saadet Association for Struggle Against Child Abuse, has written on social media:

"The video shows the moment when Osman Ç., who had abused his biological niece, was released from prison. The one wearing a suit in the video is Osman Ç. While the family protects the abuser, the abused girl, who is their relative, attempted to commit suicide for three times."

Having sexually abused her niece Z.Ç., who came from Switzerland to Kızıltepe for a visit, Osman Ç. has been released from prison. The man was welcomed by his family in a musical ceremony with drums and zurna at the gate of the prison. The images show that there were also children in the ceremony held for Osman Ç. in front of the prison.

As reported by Evrensel newspaper, Z.Ç.'s lawyer Dilan Kurt has said, "The defendant was welcomed with drums and zurnas, as if he had done something right." The lawyer has also added, "At the first hearing, the defendant has been released by the court despite all evidence."

Dilan Koç has noted that after the court handed down it ruling, the abused child attempted to commit suicide.

Defendant Osman Ç. had his first hearing on January 13, 2021. At the hearing held on Mardin 5th Heavy Penal Court, the court board has ruled that Osman Ç. shall be released on probation.

Released from Mardin Type E Prison pending trial, Osman Ç. was welcomed by his family in front of the prison with a musical ceremony.

Lawyer Koç has noted that the prosecutor pronounced its opinion as to the accusations at the first hearing and demanded that the defendant be given the heaviest sentence possible:

"In fact, the prosecutor demanded that a criminal complaint be filed for aggravated deprivation of liberty, which was not included in the indictment. The prosecutor also requested that the arrest of the defendant continue. However, these requests have been, unfortunately, rejected by the court board. The defendant has been released. We will lodge an appeal." (AÖ/SD)