Sadettin Karagoz, a Turkish charity owner, has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault against refugees. According to an investigation by BBC News Turkish, accusations emerged that he exploited vulnerable women by promising them aid in exchange for sexual favors. Karagoz denies these claims.
His organization, founded in 2014 in Ankara, is known as the Hope Charity Store, which provides essential supplies such as food and clothing to refugees. Some women, including Madina, who fled the Syrian civil war, reported instances of harassment after approaching his charity for assistance. Madina claimed that Karagoz made unwanted sexual advances during her visit for aid.
Karagoz has reported that his charity has assisted over 37,000 individuals and argues that the design of his aid distribution area, along with CCTV monitoring, prevents isolated encounters with women. Despite his denial, three women have formally accused him, while additional accounts have been provided by former employees and other witnesses who claim to have seen or heard of his abusive behavior between 2016 and 2024.
In previous years, similar allegations were brought against Karagoz, but local prosecutors did not pursue charges due to a lack of evidence or unwillingness from victims to testify. Fears of further victimization or deportation contributed to these hesitations.
After the BBC investigation, new testimonies prompted charges against Karagoz, who is currently in jail awaiting trial. He has stated that health issues prevent him from engaging in sexual activity, a claim that has been contested by medical experts. Furthermore, he suggested that the accusations against him are fabricated, citing previous encounters where he had reported women involved in illegal activities. However, the women involved deny any such allegations related to criminality.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkzg680j7lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss