Abuse Allegation at a Theatre Course in Antalya

The theatre director and writer Ü.Z.A. (51), who is being tried without detention on charges of sexually abusing Y.E. (27), who attended theatre lessons in Antalya and was 13 years old at the time, appeared before the judge for the second time.

In 2011, Y.E.'s aunt enrolled her in a private room theatre so she would not be affected by her parents' divorce. According to allegations, theatre director and writer Ü.Z.A. later made emotional talks with his student and wrote love poems. In March of the same year, Ü.Z.A. opened an email account for Y.E. and gave her a paper with the password. When Y.E. checked the 'drafts' folder of the email account, she saw love poems written to her. Allegedly, Ü.Z.A. sexually abused Y.E. in July 2011. Y.E.'s mother discovered what happened after finding the diary where Y.E. daily wrote about the events. Last year, Y.E. filed a complaint against Ü.Z.A. The defendant, Ü.Z.A., who is being tried without detention for 'sexual abuse of a child,' appeared today before the Antalya 4th High Criminal Court for the second hearing. The defendant Ü.Z.A., Y.E., parties, and lawyers were present in the courtroom.

Denied the allegations

Y.E., giving testimony in court, could not hold back her tears. She said she still remembers the incident:

"Your Honor, I am 27 years old, graduated from a good university. I have nothing missing in my life. I have no reason to slander anyone. I would have no dealings with these people if it weren't for what they did to me. I remember everything, you can ask me anything, I will tell everything. I just want justice."

Ü.Z.A. denied the allegations in his testimony. The trial was postponed, and the defendant's status of being tried without detention was continued.