MEMEHAB HELBIN ZEYDAN

Wan — Following the death of student Rojin Kabaiş, who disappeared only two days after beginning her studies at Wan Yüzüncü Yıl University in North Kurdistan and whose body was later found, questions have intensified regarding the circumstances of the case. Certain circulating evidence and allegations of procedural irregularities have directed attention toward the university rector, Hamdullah Şevli, and a number of his associates.

The rector's name has now returned to the forefront, this time amid rape allegations, after Rector Hamdullah Şevli attempted to convince Rojin Kabaiş's father, Nizamettin Kabaiş, that his daughter had "committed suicide"—following her disappearance on September 27, 2024, and the discovery of her body on October 15 of the same year. It was also reported that he attended the autopsy conducted at the Forensic Medicine Institute.

DNA belonging to two men was found on Rojin's body, which the forensic report considered as supporting evidence of a possible homicide.

Location Where the Body Was Found and Controversial Connections

The camera at Molla Kasım Beach, where Rojin Kabaiş's body was found, was initially said to be non-functional; however, it was later discovered after a year that it had been operational and recording. Delawar Sihanlı, the private security manager who also served as an official driver, told Rojin Kabaiş's father: "Cars come here at night, drop off girls, and leave. Perhaps the same thing happened to your daughter." These statements provoked widespread reactions.

The gate between the campus and the Bardakçı village, which had been closed for security reasons, was reopened on the rector's orders, without establishing a security checkpoint or assigning guards. Surveillance cameras in the area were said to be non-functional at the time.

The village headman (muhtar) of Bardakçı, Tewfik Öçar, who was said to have requested the gate's opening, was known for his close relationship with the rector and for having secured a number of construction project contracts within the campus. This headman removed surveillance cameras in the village after the crime, despite having previously stated that there were no cameras. These facts have intensified suspicions surrounding the rector.

A University Researcher Recounts Her Experience

An electronic message attributed to researcher "B.D.," working at the Faculty of Tourism at Wan Yüzüncü Yıl University, was circulated on digital media, in which she accuses the rector of raping and blackmailing her.

The message attributed to her read: "During my master's studies at the Faculty of Tourism, I was working as a presenter for faculty events. Rector Hamdullah Şevli participated in one of these events, and afterward, the dean told me that the rector could appoint me as a researcher at the faculty. I agreed because it was what I had hoped for. After I started working, a decision was made assigning me as a presenter in the Corporate Communications Unit under the rector's office. Although I did not wish for this assignment, I accepted it. I began to be summoned frequently to the rector's building, and during this period, I was raped by the rector. When I told him I did not want this situation to continue, he threatened me, saying he had video recordings of me. When I informed the dean of what had happened, he said he knew about it and that I should remain silent to keep my job. I can no longer endure what I am living through. Please help me."

A Student Attempted Suicide

A video that circulated on social media last week brought renewed attention to allegations concerning a prostitution network targeting university students. In the video, a female student said: "I can no longer continue; I do not feel well. I will not forgive those who brought me to this state. I am very sad. I studied until morning, but I cannot endure anymore. It is now six in the morning. No one is trying to help me. Everyone says they have done what they can, but no one is doing anything. My curse upon you will not leave you." She attempted suicide after posting the video.

Parliamentary Questions Left Unanswered

Members of Parliament Gülcan Katmaz Sayğıt and Gülderen Varli, from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), have submitted more than ten parliamentary inquiries since October 22, 2024, to the Ministries of Education and Justice regarding Rojin Kabaiş's case, security gaps at the university, and allegations of prostitution—yet they have received no response.

MP Mehmet Yeneroğlu also submitted a parliamentary inquiry on July 29 regarding the rape allegations against the rector.

Questions Directed to the Ministry

The parliamentary inquiry included the following questions:

Has any investigation or audit been opened regarding the allegations of sexual assault and threats against the Rector of Wan Yüzüncü Yıl University, Hamdullah Şevli?

Have criminal complaints been filed with judicial authorities concerning these allegations?

Has the possibility of temporarily removing the rector from his position during the investigation been evaluated, to prevent interference with evidence or pressure on the victim?

Has an administrative investigation been opened against the former dean, who is alleged to have asked the victim to remain silent to keep her job?

Has the ministry investigated the allegations that Rector Hamdullah Şevli and Secretary-General Cihad Tekin pressured the victim's family and issued instructions to the hospital to prevent the case from reaching public attention?

How many complaints related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, and workplace bullying have been recorded at Wan Yüzüncü Yıl University over the past five years?

How many of these complaints have been investigated, resulted in sanctions, or been closed without any action taken?