TBMM Issues Statement on Alleged Harassment of Underage Interns at Parliament Restaurant

Türkiye’s parliament has issued a detailed statement on an alleged harassment case involving high-school-age interns working at a TBMM facility, rejecting claims the incident would have been covered up. The TBMM General Secretariat said an internal investigation began on Nov. 20, disciplinary action has been taken against multiple staff, and prosecutors have detained suspects as a criminal probe continues.

Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has released a new public statement addressing an alleged harassment case involving underage interns working at a parliament facility, confirming that both administrative and judicial investigations are ongoing.

In its third press release on the matter, the TBMM General Secretariat said the family of one intern filed a complaint and that the Speaker’s Office ordered an internal investigation to begin immediately. The statement pushed back against claims that no action would have been taken without media coverage.

Internal Probe Began Before Media Reports, TBMM Says

The General Secretariat said the administrative investigation was launched on Nov. 20, 2025, while the allegations first appeared in the media on Dec. 10. It said three personnel against whom evidence was obtained were removed from duty on Dec. 4–5.

TBMM said the investigation initially involved one complainant but was expanded after further review, ultimately leading to administrative action concerning five personnel.

Disciplinary Measures and Dismissals

According to the statement:

• Two interns worked in a TBMM kitchen from September 2024 to June 2025. TBMM said two employees sent “inappropriate messages” to interns via a messaging app during specific date ranges in 2025.

• A third intern, who began an internship in September 2025, alleged verbal and physical harassment. TBMM said a review of camera footage indicated multiple instances of physical contact in a workplace setting, leading to the employee being removed from duty and referred for dismissal.

TBMM said disciplinary procedures resulted in:

• Three personnel being recommended for dismissal from public service, and

• Two personnel facing disciplinary penalties for conduct deemed damaging to institutional trust, even where allegations were not directly substantiated.

The General Secretariat added that all findings and a copy of the disciplinary report were shared with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Criminal Investigation: Detentions and Judicial Measures

The statement said that under the criminal investigation:

• Four personnel were ordered detained, and

• One personnel was placed under judicial control.

TBMM emphasized that administrative and judicial actions would continue “regardless of position, seniority, or title,” and said additional administrative measures would be taken to prevent recurrence.

TBMM Rejects Claims of “Systematic” Abuse and Broader Allegations

The General Secretariat rejected claims that harassment at TBMM has been systematic since 2018, stating that a separate 2018 incident in a different unit resulted in the dismissal of the relevant staff member and was not comparable to the current case.

It also denied social media allegations suggesting a wider pattern involving unverified claims, arguing that such claims—absent complainants or evidence—risk further harming the rights and privacy of the minors involved. TBMM urged anyone claiming to have evidence to report it to judicial and administrative authorities.

Additional Inquiry Mentioned

TBMM said a separate disciplinary inquiry is ongoing into an allegation that an intern was told not to speak unless they could “prove” their claims.

Source: Halk TV News Desk