Çiğdem Ergin (23) allegedly committed suicide by plunging from the third floor of the building where she lived in Van province. After four months in a coma, she regained her consciousness and stated her husband had tried to kill her. Her husband Sinan Ergin faces up to 20 years in prison for “attempting to kill his wife”. Çiğdem Ergin calls on women to be in solidarity with her.

MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

Van - On April 24, 23-year-old Çiğdem Ergin allegedly committed suicide by plunging from the third floor of the building where she lived in Van province. She was taken to a hospital while her husband Sinan Ergin was taken into custody. Sinan Ergin was released under judicial control after claiming his wife had committed suicide. After four months in a coma, Çiğdem Ergin regained her consciousness and stated that her husband had tried to kill her. Despite her statement, Sinan Ergin hasn’t been arrested. Çiğdem Ergin, who has received physiotherapy, told us that she will defend her rights to the end.

Despite the complaint, he will be free pending the trial

Mother of two, Çiğdem Ergin filed a criminal complaint against her husband after regaining her consciousness. An investigation was launched against Sinan Ergin by the Van Public Prosecutor. After the investigation was completed, an indictment was prepared and it was accepted by the Van 6^th High Criminal Court. In the indictment, the prosecutor demands up to 20 years in prison for Sinan Ergin for “attempting to kill his wife”. The first hearing of the trial will be held on February 1, 2022. Despite the complaint of Çiğdem Ergin, Sinan Ergin will be free pending the trial.

“I faced physical and psychological violence”

We spoke to Çiğdem Ergin about what has happened after April 24. “On April 24, I faced physical and psychological violence so I called police for help. While I was talking to a police officer, I felt pain in my neck, and then I woke up in the hospital. When I open my eyes at the hospital and didn’t know what had happened. I said, “Why am I here? I didn’t commit suicide.” I told my parents to file a criminal complaint because I hadn’t committed suicide.”

Call for solidarity

Çiğdem Ergin called on women to be in solidarity with her during the legal process. Çiğdem Ergin said, “I didn’t commit suicide. My family was told I had fallen down while shaking carpet on the balcony. I stand by my complaint. I held on to life for my children and myself and I still hold on to life. I will keep struggling for my children and myself.”