Two defendants stand trial at two separate cases before the Beyoğlu (Istanbul) 4th Court of First Instance on the grounds of alleged "sexual assaults" against women in Taksim/Istanbul at New Year's Eve. Both defendants were released pending trial at the first hearing.

"I kissed her but without sexual motives"

The first hearing at the Beyoğlu Court was attended by detained defendant F.A. and his lawyer Sait Şaylığ.

Defendant F.A. stated that he joined the New Year's Eve celebrations in Taksim together with his relative M.A. and that he was "extremely drunk". He said that he very much liked a woman who had been dancing for a while and that he kissed her. Lawyer Şaylığ claimed that his client did not assault anybody with 'sexual motives'.

"She wore a mini skirt and a sleeveless top"

The second case tried at the same court was attended by defendant V.K. and his lawyer Hazal Karaoğlan. He also said that he was in Taksim for the New Year's Eve celebrations. He claimed that he was taken into police custody when he was trying to leave Taksim Square because of the crammed crowd.

About the woman who filed a complaint against V.K. he said that she was "someone who wore a mini skirt and a sleeveless top". The defendant emphasized that she was accompanied by a man. He stated, "I know well what honour means. I have sisters and a daughter. I reject the charges".

In both cases, the public prosecutor pled for the acquittal of the defendants. The court decided for the release of both defendants pending trial and postponed the hearings.

11 people tried for "sexual assault"

The Beyoğlu Public Chief Prosecution launched several investigations upon women's complaints of sexual harassment on Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue during the New Year's Eve celebrations. As the result of the investigations, the prosecution opened cases against eleven defendants on charges of "sexual assault". The defendants are facing prison sentences between two and seven years.

Proceedings against defendant M.Y. were dropped at the first hearing on 27 January because victim C.B. withdrew her complaint. (BB/EÖ)