Şirnex (Şırnak) and its districts, often in the spotlight for the implementation of special warfare policies, continue to be plagued by both ecological destruction and crimes targeting women and children. Between April and June alone, five cases of sexual violence against children have surfaced. What stands out in these cases is that many of the perpetrators, who are public officials, are not being held in pre-trial detention.

 

The recent cases and judicial proceedings that have come to public attention in the last two months are as follows:

 

*On April 30, in an elementary school in Şirnex, students D.S.B. (13), M.A. (11), A.A. (11), and A.G.Z. (12) were sexually harassed by a teacher named Muammer Uğur.

 

*On May 27, a 15-year-old child was sexually assaulted by police officer Oğuzhan Yücesoy. Despite DNA evidence found on the child’s clothing, the officer is being tried without arrest.

 

*On June 1, it was revealed that municipal employee Cevher Ş. had been arrested for sexually harassing a child. The defense claimed “mental instability.”

 

*On June 10, Yusuf Acar was detained following reports by families alleging that he had raped four children. He was arrested and charged with “child sexual abuse” and “aggravated child sexual abuse.”

 

*On June 20, in the district of Silopiya, it was revealed that boarding school teacher Sadun Vural had sexually harassed six children on different occasions. He has not been arrested and was only temporarily suspended from duty.

 

IMPUNITY ENCOURAGES CRIME

 

Emine Özdemir, Chair of the Women and Children’s Rights Commission at the Şırnak Bar Association, shared her assessments regarding the increase in child sexual abuse cases in the region.

 

Highlighting the judiciary’s protective stance toward perpetrators, Emine Özdemir emphasized that this leads to a culture of impunity. “There are multiple reasons for the rise in child sexual abuse cases in the region,” she said. “The lack of effective oversight, families’ and children’s lack of awareness, and the failure of institutions to function properly all make it harder to prevent abuse. Law enforcement, local administrations, and social services fail to ensure safety in children's living environments, which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation.”

 

She added that social inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education distance children from protective networks. “Children are often afraid to speak about their trauma, especially at a young age. They can be easily silenced. The feudal structures dominant in the region also create a culture of silence. All these factors contribute to the normalization of patriarchal violence. When perpetrators are released or acquitted, it emboldens others with similar tendencies. Impunity creates a fertile ground for the repetition of such crimes. In cases of child sexual abuse, this leads to a deep social collapse.”

 

A POLITICAL ISSUE

 

Emine Özdemir stressed that the Commission is closely following all cases. She pointed to widespread intimidation of families, destruction of evidence, and neglect in forensic processes. “There is a systematic protection mechanism for perpetrators within judicial practices. Male perpetrators are often released pending trial or acquitted due to 'lack of evidence.' In child abuse cases, evidence collection often depends on the perpetrator’s social status, and the child's testimony is frequently disregarded.”

 

“This negligence not only obstructs justice but also encourages perpetrators and others with similar inclinations. When the judiciary aligns with the perpetrator, abuse is no longer just a legal matter—it becomes a political issue.”

 

WHEN THE PERPETRATOR IS A SOLDIER OR POLICE OFFICER…

 

Referring to a common pattern in the region, Emine Özdemir said that perpetrators are often acquitted despite victim testimony due to so-called “lack of evidence.” “We must also note that while it appears all perpetrators are protected, this is not absolute. When the perpetrator is a police or military officer, the impunity is more pronounced. In cases where the perpetrator is a civilian, there are, though rare and insufficient, some punitive outcomes.”

 

BAR ASSOCIATION EXCLUDED FROM LEGAL PROCESS

 

Emine Özdemir stated that the courts reject the Commission’s applications to join cases, calling it an attempt to exclude them from the legal process. She stressed that the best interests of the child are often ignored in these trials: “As the Women and Children’s Rights Commission of the Şırnak Bar Association, we closely monitor all abuse cases we are informed of. In many instances, we observe that prosecutors fail to conduct effective investigations, police do not implement protective measures, and evidence is not properly collected.”

 

She added, “Courts do not prioritize the child’s best interest and block our access to case files. Our applications to participate in proceedings are rejected. Meanwhile, before complaints are even filed, perpetrators and their families intimidate the victims' families, influencing them and obstructing justice from the outset. Despite all these barriers, we remain committed to being the voice of children. We provide legal support, inform the public, and pursue every legal avenue to bring perpetrators to justice. We also collaborate with local organizations to strengthen and grow this struggle.”

 

THE FIRST 72 HOUR CRUCIAL

 

Emphasizing the legal importance of prompt action, Emine Özdemir said that in cases of rape, children should go to the hospital within 72 hours without washing their bodies or changing clothes. “If this isn’t done,” she warned, “many cases end in acquittal due to ‘lack of evidence.’”

 

She concluded by stressing the importance of social solidarity: “Combatting sexual abuse requires not only judicial but also societal action. Everyone, from local communities to civil society organizations, must take a united stance against this issue. Silence encourages perpetrators; solidarity protects children.”

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut