Turkish court sentences high school teacher to 52 years in jail for sexually abusing five students

A Turkish court has sentenced a high school teacher to 52 years and five months in jail for sexually abusing five of his students. Child advocates have been calling for better sex abuse prevention for years. The Turkish government says it will work on prevention but has not specified how.

Duvar English

A high school teacher in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaraş has been sentenced to 52 years and five months in jail on charges of sexually abusing five of his students, online news portal T24 reported on Oct. 29.

The incident came out to light when one of the abused children's family noticed a behavioral change in their son. The child then told about the sexual abuse of his teacher, as a result of which a complaint was filed at the prosecutor's office. As four other families also filed complaints, the teacher known as Orhan Y. was arrested by a court order.

At the final hearing of the case, the court board asked Orhan Y. if he had anything to say. The suspect used his right to remain silent and did not respond.

The court sentenced the man to 52 years and five months in jail.

Child advocates have been calling for better sex abuse prevention for years. The Turkish government says it will work on prevention but has not specified how.

Experts say prevention involves increasing gender equality, educating children on their bodies and sexuality in age-appropriate ways, teaching about sexual abuse through awareness campaigns and training public officials. But under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), it’s still considered taboo to talk about sexual issues.

Over 59,000 children sexually abused in Turkey between 2014-2017, says main opposition deputyOver 59,000 children sexually abused in Turkey between 2014-2017, says main opposition deputy