MARDİN – The fact that the judge asked 17 year old Z.Ç why she didn't shout during the trial against Osman Ç. caused reactions.

 

The second hearing of the case against Osman Ç. who raped his niece Z.Ç who came from Switzerland to visit her relatives was held at Mardin 5th High Criminal Court. Osman Ç. was later released by the court on January 13 was welcomed by his relatives with with a flourish of trumpets. 

 

While the defendant did not attend the second hearing, held today Şahmaran Women's Platform, Saadet Teachers' Association for Combating Child Abuse (UCİM) and Mardin Bar Association Women's Rights Center attended the hearing in solidarity with Z.Ç.

 

The attorney of the defendant requested that his client wants a closed hearing. The court board rejected the request. Attending the hearing with audio and video system from Switzerland, Z.Ç requested the defendant to be punished.

 

The judge asked Z.Ç why she did not shout or make a sound while being abused by Osman Ç. which caused reactions in the court room. 

 

After hearing the witnesses, the court board adjourned the haring until October 27.

 

Making a statement after the hearing, Lawyer Dilan Koç from the Mardin Bar Association Women's Rights Center said, "It is the 21st century and the victim was asked why she did not shout or make some noise. My client was questioned like she was the defendant. We can no longer accept or tolerate victim blaming. We can't accept a judge acting like this was her doing. Our request from the judiciary is not to make decisions that will affect a victim's life in this way."