A Turkish charity owner at the center 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.
Upon seeking help, Madina described how Mr. Karagoz changed. She recalls him leading her behind a curtain in the office to get some supplies when he attempted to assault her.
Similarly, other women, Nada and Batoul, shared harrowing stories of coercion and sexual advances made by Mr. Karagoz under the guise of providing aid.
This case has garnered significant attention, leading to additional testimonies coming forward and ultimately resulting in Karagoz's arrest. The women express relief and a sense of empowerment in their shared experiences, encouraging others facing similar dangers to come forward.
Batoul, one of the survivors, expressed hope that this will inspire courage in women who are being exploited: I am truly happy he has been arrested, for myself and for all the women who have suffered in silence and couldn't speak out because of fear.
Mr. Karagoz, in his defense, maintains his innocence, citing that if the claims were true, more women would have complained.
