Üzmez, who was previously arrested on charges of repeated sexual abuse of minor B.Ç., was released from jail in October pending trial following the release of a medical examiner's report indicating that the “physical and mental health” of the minor involved was stable.
The report, however, was met with controversy, with civil society organizations and human rights groups staging various protests against the findings. The Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK) later prepared another medical report stating that the minor was both physically and mentally influenced by the repeated sexual abuse.
The 4th High Criminal Court in Bursa ruled yesterday to arrest Üzmez once again and put him in prison as he had sexually abused the minor and posed a threat to her freedom. Üzmez, however, denied the charges and defended himself, saying that he had helped the family of B.Ç. for many years.
“The mother and father of B.Ç. are very nice people. They have helped me greatly for 20 years now. I gave alms to them. I did not even think of committing any wrongdoing when I helped them,” he said. Üzmez's lawyers have until July 24 to appeal the court's ruling. Fatma Başar, head of the children's rights department of the İstanbul Bar Association, lauded the decision but added that it was “too late” for justice for the minor. “It was a great advantage for Üzmez himself to be released from prison after he was originally arrested. He should never have been released. The court's decision to arrest him for a second time comes too late,” she noted.
