Elif Nur’s Tragic Death from Hunger: Heartless Remark by Uncle
Sibel-Gökhan Tiftik, a couple from Fevziçakmak District in Tepebaşı, were arrested last year for various crimes. As a result, their children, Elif Nur (10) and MT (13), were left at their aunt Deniz Tiftik’s house, along with their uncle Sezer Tiftik and their grandmother Cihangül Kurumlu, who all lived in the same neighborhood. Tragically, Elif Nur fell ill on December 14 last year and was taken to Eskişehir Yunus Emre State Hospital but could not be saved. An investigation was launched by the Eskişehir Police Department due to suspicions surrounding her death.
Deniz Tiftik and Sezer Tiftik, who were the owners of the house where the children were staying, were detained and arrested on charges of ill-treatment of children. Cihangül Kurumlu, Elif Nur’s grandmother, was also caught and arrested four days later.
According to the indictment by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Deniz Tiftik, Sezer Tiftik, and Cihangül Kurumlu were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for the murder of Elif Nur and six years’ imprisonment for the torture of the other two siblings under state protection. The court requested a prison sentence of up to 16 years.
During the court hearings, the defendants denied the allegations and requested to make their defense in person. They claimed that they did not see any abnormalities in the children and denied any mistreatment. Sezer Tiftik stated that Elif Nur had a weak structure and that he had bought her toys and other necessities. Cihangül Kurumlu said she had not taken care of the children and did not know who was responsible for them. Deniz Tiftik denied any cruelty towards the children and claimed that Elif Nur’s death was unexpected.
The court presented photographs of bells that were allegedly used to prevent the children from leaving the house. However, the defendants denied the existence of any bells in the house and questioned the credibility of the crime scene investigation report.
The Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute report included in the indictment stated that Elif Nur’s death was a result of long-term malnutrition and physical abuse. It also highlighted the living conditions of the children, stating that they were not suitable for their physical and emotional development.
The investigation revealed that the suspects were receiving social assistance money to care for the children, but they did not provide them with proper living conditions or adequate nutrition. The other two siblings also showed signs of developmental delays and malnourishment.
The court decided to continue the detention of the three defendants and postponed the hearing for further proceedings.
This tragic case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children. It reminds us of the need for vigilance and proper care, as well as the responsibility of society to protect those who are vulnerable.
