Police Launch Investigation into Abuse Allegations at IMM Kindergarten in Eyüpsultan
Istanbul, January 27, 2026 – Police have initiated an investigation into allegations of assault and abuse at a children’s activity center affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) located in Eyüpsultan. The inquiry, which began on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, involves police teams conducting comprehensive inspections inside and around the facility.
The investigation stems from reports of children being subjected to assault and abuse at the kindergarten. This development follows an ongoing inquiry led by the Gaziosmanpaşa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which has already resulted in the arrest of one suspect, with judicial control measures applied to three other individuals.
Details of the Ongoing Investigation
Police teams arrived at the children’s activity center in the evening to conduct various examinations. Their inspection included a thorough check of the building’s interior and its surroundings, gathering evidence pertinent to the allegations.
The Gaziosmanpaşa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had previously issued a directive for four suspects to be brought to the courthouse in connection with the claims of assault and abuse at the IMM-affiliated kindergarten in Eyüpsultan.
Among those brought to court, a sports instructor was referred to the criminal judgeship of peace with a request for arrest, while three teachers were sent to the judgeship with a request for judicial control measures. On January 23, the criminal judgeship of peace ordered the arrest of one suspect on charges of “sexual assault” against a child, while the other three suspects were placed under judicial control.
IMM’s Response and Internal Inquiry
In response to the allegations, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) issued a statement confirming that the IMM Inspection Board has also launched an internal investigation. The statement noted, “While meticulous examinations of camera footage have not revealed any findings supporting the allegations, the individuals concerned have been suspended from their duties for the integrity of the investigation. The administrative review and inspection processes initiated are ongoing, and the results will be transparently shared with the public.”
Broader Context and Previous Reports
This incident is not isolated, as previous reports have highlighted concerns surrounding IMM-affiliated kindergartens. On January 26, it was reported that “blackout” conditions prevailed in IMM kindergartens, with half of the 35 cameras missing and provided footage being cropped. Earlier, on August 7, a “bomb confession” in an IMM investigation alleged a “100 million fraud under the guise of a kindergarten.”
On January 24, AK Party member Acar strongly reacted to the abuse allegations, criticizing IMM for the “betrayal of an incompetent mindset whose only promise is fraud.” These previous reports underscore a pattern of concerns regarding the management and oversight of IMM’s children’s facilities.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The police investigation is expected to continue with further evidence collection and interviews. The findings from both the police and IMM’s internal inquiry will be crucial in determining the full extent of the alleged incidents and ensuring accountability.
The community awaits transparent updates from both the public prosecutor’s office and the IMM as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the importance of child safety and welfare in such facilities.
