Man sentenced to prison over systematic child abuse

* Source and photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

Click to read the article in Turkish

A man named Vedat T. has been sentenced to 26 years in prison in the trial filed into the death of Emre Yıldır, whom he had abused for nine years since his nine years of age and drove to suicide last year.

The final hearing of the lawsuit was held at the Edirne 1st Heavy Penal Court today (November 17). Arrested defendant Vedat T. attended the hearing via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS) while the attorneys of both parties were present in the courtroom.

Handing down its judgement at the closed-door hearing, the court has sentenced perpetrator Vedat T. to 26 years in prison.

Addressing the reporters after the hearing, attorney Merve Uçanok has indicated that they have been waging a struggle for justice since last August and they have finally won this struggle. Uçanok has said:

"This legal struggle started when Emre was alive. It is perhaps late, but justice has still been served today. Emre is perhaps not with us today, but justice has been served. That is why our Emre should rest in peace. Let this trial be a light of hope for all aggrieved children. I wish it deep in my heart."

'Rest in peace, brother...'

After the ruling was handed down, the family of Yıldır broke into tears. His elder sister has said, "Voice records became evidence. It became apparent that he had committed this crime repeatedly. We, of course, wanted him to be sentenced to an aggravated life sentence, but I would like to thank the court board for hearing us patiently. Rest in peace, brother..."

Last year, Emre Yıldır appealed to the Çorlu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and filed a complaint against his relative Vedat T., who had sexually abused him for 9 years. Afterwards, he committed suicide in April. After his suicide, Vedat T. was arrested for "aggravated sexual abuse." (AÖ/SD)