Turkish Teacher Sentenced to 130 Years for Sexual Abuse of Students
December 12, 2025433 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
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A Turkish court has sentenced a teacher to 130 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of six students at a private school in Kocaeli, prompting widespread discussion about child safety in educational settings. Human rights advocates have described the ruling as a "moral and organizational scandal," calling for increased oversight of private educational institutions in the country.
Details of the Case and Trial
According to Turkish media reports, the first chamber of the penal court found the teacher, referred to by the initials "M.A.", guilty of sexual offenses against six students over a two-year period, without granting any sentence reduction. He was acquitted of the charge of "threatening children" due to insufficient evidence.
The 45-year-old defendant attended the hearing alongside the victims' families and his defense team, in what has been described as one of the most publicized cases recently.
Victims' Families Demand Maximum Sentences
During the hearing, the families of the victims emphasized the need for the harshest penalties for the accused, asserting that their children have endured "indelible psychological trauma." Social media has seen calls for strict sanctions against anyone proven guilty of child abuse, targeting both individuals and institutions.
The victims' attorneys also argued that the accused had repeatedly abused the children and requested the maximum sentence for each offense without any reductions.
Defense Maintains Innocence
Conversely, the defense attorneys requested a reevaluation of the case, including additional witness testimonies and on-site investigations. The teacher continues to deny all allegations, stating, "I have committed no wrongdoing in my life. I am a father, a husband, and a good teacher. I request my acquittal." However, the court found his statements unconvincing in light of the evidence presented and the children's testimonies.
Severe Sentence Due to Repeated Offenses and Professional Responsibility
The court justified the 130-year sentence due to the repeated nature of the offenses and the teacher's obligation to protect, rather than exploit, children, along with evidence of complete sexual assault against at least one child.
Calls for Enhanced Oversight of Private Schools
This case has reopened discussions about abuse in private and religious schools, amid demands from child rights organizations for stricter monitoring measures and harsher penalties to prevent such crimes, which are seen as one of the most serious threats to child safety in Turkey.
Details of the Case and Trial
According to Turkish media reports, the first chamber of the penal court found the teacher, referred to by the initials "M.A.", guilty of sexual offenses against six students over a two-year period, without granting any sentence reduction. He was acquitted of the charge of "threatening children" due to insufficient evidence.
The 45-year-old defendant attended the hearing alongside the victims' families and his defense team, in what has been described as one of the most publicized cases recently.
Victims' Families Demand Maximum Sentences
During the hearing, the families of the victims emphasized the need for the harshest penalties for the accused, asserting that their children have endured "indelible psychological trauma." Social media has seen calls for strict sanctions against anyone proven guilty of child abuse, targeting both individuals and institutions.
The victims' attorneys also argued that the accused had repeatedly abused the children and requested the maximum sentence for each offense without any reductions.
Defense Maintains Innocence
Conversely, the defense attorneys requested a reevaluation of the case, including additional witness testimonies and on-site investigations. The teacher continues to deny all allegations, stating, "I have committed no wrongdoing in my life. I am a father, a husband, and a good teacher. I request my acquittal." However, the court found his statements unconvincing in light of the evidence presented and the children's testimonies.
Severe Sentence Due to Repeated Offenses and Professional Responsibility
The court justified the 130-year sentence due to the repeated nature of the offenses and the teacher's obligation to protect, rather than exploit, children, along with evidence of complete sexual assault against at least one child.
Calls for Enhanced Oversight of Private Schools
This case has reopened discussions about abuse in private and religious schools, amid demands from child rights organizations for stricter monitoring measures and harsher penalties to prevent such crimes, which are seen as one of the most serious threats to child safety in Turkey.
