We were in Karabük with the Feminists for Dina campaign group, alongside lawmakers and immigrant students, to follow the final hearing of the case regarding the death of Dina (17), a Gabonese student who was murdered at Karabük University.

“The Killer of Dina and Other Perpetrators Were Not Revealed”

During the trial process, Dina’s lawyers clearly stated that this incident was not an ordinary death but a struggle for survival of a young woman trying to escape sexual assault. The lawyers pointed out the contradictory statements of the defendant and the inconsistencies at the crime scene.

“If a woman jumps off a wall barefoot at night, risking injury to escape, there is significant sexual assault behind this situation. If harassment and attacks on immigrant women had not become routine in Karabük, Dina would not have experienced this desperation.”

“Justice Was Blocked”

During the trial, participating lawyers repeatedly expressed that there was insufficient investigation, rejected discovery requests, and ignored evidence. While the request to explore the Filyos River was denied, it was revealed that the defendant’s lawyers attended the exploration, but the victim’s lawyers were not invited.

“We wanted a fair trial in this court, but our rights to defence were restricted throughout the process, and insufficient examinations were conducted. The defendant is guilty, but where are the other perpetrators? Why haven’t they been investigated?”

Dina’s Mother: “Help Me So I Can Mourn”

Dina’s mother stated in French that she did not know her daughter was not safe and that she would never have sent her to Turkey if she had. Just a week before her daughter’s death, the mother learned that her daughter had experienced racism. Additionally, as her daughter mentioned, she found out that her daughter was also offered sexual intercourse for money in Karabük.

“My daughter was moral and devout. She ran away because she did not feel safe. The person she sought help from abused her instead of helping her. Help me so I can mourn!”

The defendant’s lawyers accused Dina’s lawyers of acting with “feminist rhetoric.” Racism in Karabük and the assaults on immigrant women were denied in the case, stating these were distortions.

The Defendant Who Was Detained Was Released

The presiding judge stated that they did not find it necessary to conduct an additional investigation and announced the verdict:

As a result of the trial, the defendant was acquitted of intentional murder, abuse, and other charges against him.

“We will carry this case to the appeal court and follow this trial, even if it takes years.”

After the decision, those who filled the courtroom and courthouse to demand justice for Dina held a press conference following their march. In the press statement, attention was drawn to the issues faced by immigrant women and the impunity within the justice system, stating, “We will carry this case to the appeal court and follow this trial, even if it takes years.”