Protesters throw Molotovs at Hakkari University over prostitution investigation

HAKKARİ - Doğan News Agency

Windows of the Hakkari University's Rectorate building were after protesters threw stones and Molotvo Cokctails at the facility. DHA photo

A group of unidentified masked protesters threw Molotov Cocktails at the facilities of Hakkari University in southeastern Turkey in the evening hours of Nov. 13. The incident came three days after police organized an operation into a prostitution ring allegedly run by academics who blackmailed female students to prostitute themselves in exchange for higher grades.
 
Some of the victims are also suspected of leading other female students into prostitution. A total of 15 people, including three academics and nine students were detained.  
 
Protesters gathered in front of the Rectorate building carrying sticks and stones. The group wrote graffiti reading “No to prostitution” on the walls of the building. A small fire that broke out due to the Molotov Cocktails was quickly extinguished by fire brigades dispatched to the scene.
 
The incident triggered outrage in the remote and impoverished southeastern province bordering on both Iraq and Iran. Demonstrations were organized by students who called on the rector, Ebubekir Ceylan, to resign. Hakkari University was established in 2008 as part of the government’s project of opening universities in every province. The university includes five faculties, two institutes and four professional graduate schools.