Harassment Scandal Rocks Turkish Parliament as Investigation Reveals Alleged Systematic Abuse of Teenage Interns
According to Turkish news outlet T24, the scandal came to light when one of the victims disclosed the abuse to her family. The Parliament's General Secretariat confirmed receiving a formal complaint on November 19, 2025, and launched an administrative investigation the following day. The secretariat announced that a cook has been suspended from duty as of December 4, 2025, with the investigation expected to conclude by December 12, 2025.
The allegations paint a disturbing picture of systematic abuse. Sources indicate that a group of approximately eight to ten restaurant staff members allegedly harassed vocational high school students sent to parliament for internships each year. Most disturbingly, staff reportedly divided incoming interns among themselves, allegedly using phrases such as "This one is mine, this one is yours." The harassment reportedly extended beyond the workplace to social media platforms and WhatsApp, with messages containing phrases like "my little girlfriend" sent to the underage victims.
A new witness has come forward with her own account. A young woman who completed her internship at parliament last year told media that she endured two weeks of verbal and physical harassment from a cook in his thirties. She described receiving inappropriate comments and invitations. When she reported the abuse to a female facility manager, she claims she was told to keep silent and not inform even her parents. "Everyone knew everything, yet everyone remained silent," she stated, adding that she eventually left parliament and transferred to another institution after informing her family and teachers.
The scandal has united Turkey's normally divided political parties in condemnation. DEM Party Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit proposed establishing an investigative commission composed of female parliamentarians from all parties, stating, "We cannot approach this as an ordinary matter. As 600 representatives, we are responsible for children."
CHP Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Başarır demanded a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the location of such crimes—whether in parliament, a prestigious school, or a private home—does not diminish their severity. MHP Deputy Chair Filiz Kılıç pledged her party would closely monitor developments, while AKP Deputy Chair Emin Akbaşoğlu confirmed disciplinary proceedings and potential judicial action, stating, "We have always opposed child abuse and will continue to do so."
The Ministry of Family and Social Services has initiated psychosocial support for affected families and announced its intention to participate in legal proceedings. Women's rights organizations are also following the case closely. Canan Güllü, President of the Turkish Women's Associations Federation, warned: "We have seen how rotten the inside of parliament has become. This must never be covered up. Parliament concealing this would be catastrophic for the country."
The investigation may result in dismissal from public service and criminal prosecution for those found responsible.
Photo: Wikipedia