Two minors under Turkish police custody over sexual abuse of children on Discord
The Turkish Interior Ministry announced that two minors have been taken into custody following allegations of sexual abuse of children on Discord and Telegram channels, where they reportedly used threats involving stolen personal data.
Duvar English
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Oct. 8 announced that two children were taken into police custody in Istanbul and Tokat province as part of an investigation into disturbing posts on Discord and Telegram involving abuse of children.
The investigation was launched after footage circulated on social media showing a girl being threatened by a group, of which the two individuals in custody were believed to be members.
Discord and Telegram channels reportedly used by groups of minor young men came under scrutiny after it was revealed that 19-year-old Semih Çelik, who have recently brutally murdered two women, was in contact with "incel" forums.
"Incels," are typically young men who express “frustration” over their inability to attract women and often harbor hostility towards women and sexually active men. The term "incel" originates from the phrase "involuntarily celibate."
Yerlikaya stated that the minors under custody were the two moderators of one of these groups, who have been identified as a result of the investigation. Their statements would be taken by the public prosecutor in the presence of a psychologist, according to the minister.
It is reported that in these groups, many posts glorify harm to women, including murder, while videos of harm to animals and children have been also circulated.
The spread of such content has intensified reactions, leading to the disclosure of many similar forums featuring violent content that expresses hate against women, children, and animals, as well as incidents of sexual abuse.
After a video was recorded on the Discord showing a girl being threatened and coerced into harming herself by a group, many social media users expressed that they had experienced similar situations.
It was revealed that a group, which threatened young girls and demanded that they harm themselves, was publishing these videos through Discord to make money.
The Turkish authorities on Oct. 9 banned access to Discord.