Prosecutors launch probe into sergeants over accusations of sexual abuse of minor in Turkey

BİNGÖL - Doğan News Agency

Prosecutors in the southeastern Anatolian province of Bingöl have launched an investigation over accusations that five sergeants sexually abused a 16-year-old girl, Doğan news agency reported today.

The victim, identified only by the initials E.A. and who lives in the Solhan district of Bingöl, reportedly filed an official complaint last month in which she stated that five sergeants had repeatedly sexually abused and raped her over the last two years. Four of the five sergeants, who were initially detained as part of the investigation, were later released following an appeal made to the court. The prosecutors also decreed confidentiality on the probe.

Canan Çakabay, the lawyer of the victim, said she had asked the court to grant protection for her client. The case was rigorously investigated by the prosecutors, Çakabay also said, adding however that they did not know the precise details due to the confidentiality decree.