The incident of a 13-year-old autistic student being pushed down a flight of stairs at a middle school in Turkey’s district of Manisa has sparked nationwide outrage. CCTV footage from the school earlier this month shows the principal grabbing the student and pushing him down without saying a word.
The video quickly went viral on social media, attracting millions of views. The student’s family filed a complaint shortly after the incident, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
The incident has sparked a new debate about school safety and the protection of children with special needs in Turkey.
Action Against Principal
The Turgutlu Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a formal investigation immediately after the incident. CCTV footage was seized and filed, and Principal B.G. was arrested. His statement is reportedly being taken to the district gendarmerie command.
Meanwhile, the district administration said he has also been temporarily suspended. Authorities said the incident was a serious example of a violation of children’s rights.
Student’s Mother’s Description
The student’s mother, Derya Yavuz, said that her child was sent by the teacher to call other students. At that time, when he confronted the principal on the stairs, he suddenly pushed the boy hard.
As a result, the child’s head got stuck in the railing and various parts of his body were injured. When the student returned home, he described the incident in tears and fear. The mother said that the principal did not respond even after calling, so she was forced to file a formal complaint.
Storm of Anger on Social Media
As soon as the video went viral, there was a strong reaction online. Many questioned why a principal would do such a thing and what the benefit of it was.
Some expressed surprise and said that he behaved like this even though he knew there was a camera.
Many considered it child abuse and an attack on a disabled person and demanded strict punishment. Others believed that the principal could have behaved like this with any student, whether the child was autistic or not, which is even more worrying.
Safety of Special Needs Students
After the incident came to light, there has been deep concern about the safety of special needs students across Turkey. Many believe that school administrations need to be more trained and sensitive, especially in understanding the behavioral differences of children with autism or other special needs.
In addition, mandatory behavioral training should be introduced for teachers. The demand for a strict monitoring system to protect vulnerable children in society is becoming increasingly strong.
Watch the video here:
@aljazeeraenglish A school principal in Turkiye has been fired and arrested after CCTV video emerged of him pushing a 13-year-old student with autism down the stairs. . In court, the suspect said he didn’t mean for that to happen. . The Turkish justice minister says any act against the most vulnerable in society cannot go unpunished. #news
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