Prosecutor demands up to 11 years in jail for man who attacked woman for ‘wearing shorts’ in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

An Istanbul prosecutor demanded on July 18 up to 11 years in jail for a man who attacked a woman “for wearing shorts” on a bus over charges of “inciting people to hatred and hostility,” “sexual assault with molestation,” and “restraining the rights of freedom, belief and thought.”   

On June 14, Ercan Kızılateş attacked 21-year-old Asena Melisa Sağlam for “wearing mini shorts during Ramadan” in Istanbul’s Pendik district. 

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Mehmet Ali Yıldız completed the indictment against Kızılateş, demanding four to 11 years in jail.

The Istanbul 27th Penal Court will decide whether or not it will accept any rejections to the indictment in the following 15 days. 

Kızılateş was detained on June 22, upon an order from an Istanbul court. However he was later released pending trial. 
A day earlier, on June 21, an Istanbul prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Kızılateş.

Kızılateş was released from court pending trial but a prosecutor objected to the ruling. The court then re-issued his arrest warrant and Kızılateş was arrested at noon on June 22 in Istanbul.

Kızılateş appeared before the Istanbul 5th Court of Peace and said he was “sorry” for his actions on the bus, adding that he told her to dress appropriately during the month of Ramadan with “good intention.” 

“She was wearing mini shorts. She then told me not to look [at her]. Then, on my way off [of the bus] I lightly hit her face with the back of my hand. The incident occurred in an instant and I am sorry for it,” he had said.