A Turkish charity owner at the centre of sexual abuse allegations, brought to light by a BBC investigation, has been arrested.
BBC News Turkish revealed accusations that Sadettin Karagoz sexually exploited vulnerable women, promising them aid in return for sex. He denies all the allegations.
Mr Karagoz set up his charity in Turkey's capital, Ankara, in 2014. Syrian refugees desperate for help said at first he seemed like 'an angel'.
One of them, Madina, fled the Syrian civil war in 2016 and said that two years later, one of her children became critically ill and her husband abandoned her. Her name has been changed to protect her anonymity.
Left to care for three children alone, she went to Sadettin Karagoz's organisation, which translates as the Hope Charity Store. It gathers donations for refugees such as nappies, pasta, milk, and clothes.
He told me: 'When you have nowhere to go, come to me and I will look after you, she says. But when she did, Madina says he changed. She describes how Mr Karagoz told her to go with him to an area in the office behind a curtain to get some supplies.
Madina alleges he assaulted her, stating, He grabbed me. He started kissing me… I told him to get away from me. If I hadn't yelled, he would have tried to rape me. She managed to escape, but he later threatened her at home.
Another survivor, Nada, shared a similar terrifying experience recounting how Karagoz demanded sexual favors in return for aid. She described instances of inappropriate touching, reinforcing the fears many felt about reporting such incidents.
Despite Mr Karagoz's claims of innocent charity work, the testimonies of three women convey a disturbing picture of manipulation and exploitation under the guise of humanitarian aid. This incident has spurred public outrage and fostered discussions about the need for better protection measures for vulnerable populations, especially amid humanitarian crises.
A third survivor, Batoul, stated her relief at his arrest and hope that it empowers other victims to speak out against their abusers. She emphasized that his fall from grace should serve as a warning and a call to action against abuse in aid settings.
As investigations continue, the arrest of Sadettin Karagoz stands as a critical moment in the ongoing battle against sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly within sectors aimed at helping the most vulnerable.
