Turkish girl cries for help over ‘uncle’s sexual abuse’

İZMİR

Bahar Doğrul’s tearful plea in a social media video in which she seeks help for what she described as her uncle’s sexual abuse has triggered public outcry, prompting the Turkish Family Ministry to review the case.

Doğrul, an 18-year-old who lives in the western province of Manisa, broadcast the video on her social media accounts on July 24. She was seen in the video asking for help from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after noting that her uncle abused her.

“I want justice. Will they hear my voice after I get killed like Özgecan and Leyla?” she said, referring to 20-year-old Özgecan Aslan and three-year-old Leyla Aydemir, both whom were killed by sexual assaulters.

Local media reported on July 26 that Doğrul and her mother filed a criminal complaint over sexual abuse, insult and threats against the uncle in March.

The man had previously “seized” the property of Doğrul’s father, who is gravely ill, according to reports.

On a television program in May, the 18-year-old said her uncle beat them, left them without food and tried to seize their property.

Turkey’s Family Ministry announced late July 25 on Twitter that Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk instructed local officials to review the case.

“We stand by our daughter [Bahar Doğrul] for anything she needs,” the ministry’s tweet said.