Ege University Professor Charged with Sexual Assault on Students
Ten students studying at Ege University Faculty of Dentistry have recently come forward with serious allegations against Prof. Dr. ZEB, accusing him of harassment that took place in December 2019. The students have filed a complaint with the university administration, prompting ZEB to also file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office.
One student recounted their experience, stating that while they were working in the dentist’s chair, ZEB allegedly made unwanted physical contact by placing his hand on their waist. Another student claimed that ZEB approached them from behind while they were working on a patient and made inappropriate remarks, leading to an investigation by the prosecutor’s office.
The case has now moved to the Izmir 34th Criminal Court of First Instance, where ZEB faced charges of ‘Sexual assault by harassment’, ‘Sexual harassment’, ‘Insult’, and ‘Threat’. During the 6th hearing of the case on July 18, both ZEB and the victims’ lawyers were present, with the victims’ lawyer demanding that ZEB be held accountable for his actions.
ZEB, in his defense, denied the accusations and claimed that his actions were meant to maintain order and security. However, the judge eventually sentenced him to 10 years in prison for the crime of ‘sexual assault to the point of harassment’. Some victims received fines for the crime of ‘sexual harassment’, while ZEB was acquitted of ‘threat’ and ‘insult’ due to settlements with some students.
Although some grievances were addressed through the court proceedings, the victims’ lawyer expressed concerns about the leniency of the sentences, stressing the importance of holding a professor at a prestigious institution like Ege University accountable for such behavior.
The details of the harassment allegations provided by the students paint a disturbing picture of the incidents that took place. From unwanted physical contact to inappropriate remarks and behavior, the students faced various forms of harassment during their time at the university.
As the legal process continues and the victims assess their options for further action, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and condemning harassment in educational institutions and beyond.
