In the Kurdish province of Şırnak, a man was taken into custody on suspicion of multiple counts of sexual abuse against four boys. The detention took place on Wednesday after the families of the victims filed complaints. The alleged perpetrator, Yusuf Acar, was initially taken into custody on the orders of the public prosecutor's office and, after being questioned by the investigating court, was remanded in custody.

The case has caused consternation in the city and beyond. According to local organizations, this is one of several known cases of abuse in Şırnak. Outrage over a perceived culture of impunity is growing.

Civil society joins forces against silence and trivialization

In a joint statement signed by 25 civil society organizations and chambers, the signatories called for a comprehensive investigation of all cases and harsh penalties for the perpetrators. “No child in this city should have to go to school in fear, play on the streets, or feel unsafe in their own neighborhood,” the statement said.

Sexual abuse against children is not only an individual crime, but “an attack on the social conscience,” according to the signatories, which include the Bar Association in Şırnak, the local Medical Association, the Human Rights Association (IHD), and various other professional and trade associations, unions, and local platforms and associations. The case has sparked widespread anger in the city, particularly because the latest incidents are part of a worrying trend.

The organizations announced that they would closely monitor the proceedings against Yusuf Acar. “The perpetrators must be brought to justice with the full force of the law,” the appeal stated. At the same time, it was emphasized that the protection of children is a shared responsibility of the state, society, and every individual.

DBP: Impunity encourages perpetrators

The Democratic Regions Party (DBP) also responded with sharp criticism. In a written statement, the party declared that sexual abuse against children is an expression of a deeper social problem: “Impunity, which is tolerated or even encouraged by the state, encourages male perpetrators. Particularly problematic is the common practice of portraying children merely as “vulnerable” without granting them a social voice or subject role,” the statement said.

The DBP also referred to an earlier case in Şırnak, where a teacher remained in service despite alleged abuse of dozens of children. “Such examples show how deep the problem runs. This pattern of abuse is part of a patriarchal structure that is deliberately directed against the values of a democratic and ethically based society,” the party said, adding that it would work together with the children to ensure a safe and dignified future.

Inadequate law enforcement and lack of child protection structures

Human rights organizations have been pointing out structural shortcomings in child protection in Turkey for years. Sexual abuse is often not taken seriously, investigations are delayed or dropped, and affected children and families are stigmatized and pressured, especially in Kurdish provinces and in cases where the suspects are often government officials or so-called village guards. In addition to consistent legal action, comprehensive preventive measures are therefore called for, including awareness-raising in schools, independent contact points for victims, and the strengthening of child-friendly protection structures.

'We can protect our children by building a democratic society'

On Saturday, masses took to the streets in Şırnak in protest at the increasing sexual abuse and rape of children in the city, saying: “We can protect our children by building a democratic society.”

Organized by the non-governmental organizations in the city, the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) provincial and district organizations, the demonstration was also attended by the DEM Party Şırnak MPs Newroz Uysal Aslan and Zeki İrmez.

A press statement read by Emine Özdemir from the Şırnak Bar Association's Women's and Children's Rights Commission pointed out that the increasing incidents of sexual abuse in the city are a result of special war policies.

“The perpetrator, Yusuf A., abused and molested nearly 10 boys, effectively pushing their futures and lives into a dark world. Yusuf A. is not the first person to commit child abuse in Şırnak, but it is clear that we must fight to ensure that he is the last,” she said.

Listing the recent cases of abuse in Şırnak, Emine Özdemir stated, “The ruling party has repealed the Istanbul Convention—a law that protects children and women and prevents abuse, harassment, and violence—and as a result, the implementation of impunity policies has allowed such individuals to roam freely within society, particularly in Şırnak and across the entire country.”

'Take all necessary measures and reinstate the Istanbul Convention!'

Urging all state institutions and their administrators to stop protecting law enforcement officers who are abusing, harassing, and raping people in Şırnak and throughout Kurdistan using the power of the state, Özdemir said: "In the cases of harassment, abuse, and rape in Şırnak, the governor's office, as the highest administrative authority, must immediately issue an impartial statement to inform the public. Take all necessary measures without delay to ensure that the impartial judicial system functions in cases of abuse, harassment, and rape. Reinstate the Istanbul Convention against a male-dominated judicial system that fails to protect children and women. We will continue to fight until we build a bright world where children can freely roam the streets, homes, and living spaces."

'Every member of society is responsible for protecting children'

Speaking after, DEM Party Şırnak MP Newroz Uysal Aslan also drew attention to the special war policies carried out in the region, saying, "The recent events in Şırnak are a snapshot of the kind of society that is sought to be created here. The abuse of children and violence against women are the result of a patriarchal state mentality. We are angry. Every member of society is responsible for protecting children; this is the responsibility of all of us. Children represent society. Just as all women raise their voices and fight back when a woman is murdered, society must develop a reflexive response to crimes committed against children and raise its voice. We must expose these crimes; we must not allow them to remain in the dark. If we build a democratic society, then we can protect our children. Therefore, a system must be established to take responsibility for these crimes, investigate them, and prevent them from happening again."