A prominent forensic medicine expert has expressed concerns over the handling of the forensic examination process in the case of 8-year-old Narin Güran, whose body was found in Diyarbakır on Sep 8.
Prof. Şebnem Korur-Fincancı, a former Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) expert and the former chair of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), highlighted the lack of integration and coordination among forensic teams in an interview with bianet.
"Since an effective investigation isn't being conducted, people are speculating without scientific evidence," she said.
Suspect confesses to dumping Narin Güran's body in creek for money
Korur-Fincancı underscored that proper investigative measures, such as securing crime scenes and restricting access, are critical. Speaking broadly about the handling of similar cases, she remarked that media coverage often jumps to conclusions before forensic processes are complete.
"We see individuals—whether it's the brother, mother, uncle, or father—being accused before scientific evidence is even available," she said."Any statement not based on scientific data is, in fact, untrue."
The professor also criticized the role of the media, stating that incomplete information is often prematurely shared with the public. "In Narin's case, we saw reports being made before the scientific findings were fully concluded. The media is reporting on information that hasn't been finalized," she, adding that the press often behaves like detectives, rather than adhering to journalistic standards of fairness.
The ministry will intervene
In response to the case, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir-Göktaş announced that the ministry would be involved in the legal proceedings. Göktaş emphasized that psychosocial support was being provided in the neighborhood where the crime occurred. She vowed that the ministry would follow the case closely, ensuring that those responsible for Narin’s death receive the maximum punishment.
"The moment Narin's disappearance was reported, the entire state mobilized," the minister said. "We will do everything within our power to ensure justice for Narin."
Background
Narin Güran, 8, went missing on Aug 21 in Diyarbakır's Tavşantepe village. Authorities launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of her uncle, Salim Güran, on Sep 2.
On Sep 8, Governor Murat Zorluoğlu confirmed Narin’s body was found near Eğertutmaz Creek close to her village. Her remains were hidden in a sack, weighed down by stones, giving it a natural appearance.
The investigation has led to the detention of 24 individuals, including Narin’s parents, siblings, and uncles.
A suspect, N.B., who is unrelated to the family, confessed to disposing of Narin's body at the request of her uncle, Salim Güran, who allegedly offered him 200,000 lira to “get rid of it.” Narin’s funeral took place on Sep 9, where she was laid to rest in the Tavşantepe village cemetery.
One suspect, N.B., who is not related to Narin's family, confessed to dumping the girl’s body into the creek. In his statement, he revealed that Salim Güran, the uncle, had brought Narin to him, wrapped in a blanket, and told him, “You need to get rid of this.”
(EMK/VK)