BDP expels deputy mayor accused of child sexual abuse

ANKARA

A.Ç. was caught by police in his private car along with two sisters aged 13 and 17. DHA Photo

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has announced that the deputy mayor of the southeastern province of Siirt, A.Ç., has been discharged from the party after being caught with two minors in his private car on July 12, daily Hürriyet reported.

A.Ç. had been sent to the party’s discipline committee with a demand for his expulsion, a statement from the BDP headquarters said.

BDP has an uncompromising policy and stance against violations of the rights of women and children, including sexual abuse, the statement said.

“Every kind of abuse of children is something [we] can never accept whoever does it and is a situation that we take a principled stand on,” the party said. “Our discipline committee will make an effective decision as soon as possible. We are also expecting the person to resign from membership on the city council.”

Deputy mayor released pending trial

A.Ç. was reportedly released by the court pending a trial after being detained following a police raid.

A 62-year-old father of 10, A.Ç. was found by police along with two sisters aged 13 and 17 in his private car.

The deputy mayor was captured after he tried to escape. During interrogations, the elder of the sisters reportedly told prosecutors that A.Ç. had been abusing her for a long time.

The suspect should be arrested and the court should behave on behalf of the two girls and protect their rights in this case, BDP also said.

Two sisters have been taken into state protection by the Family and Social Policies Ministry, according to Doğan news agency.