Tandag

Midnight express still running

Possible innocent German student (17) finally released after 7 months in a Turkish jail.
The case of 17 year old Marco W. makes headlines in Europe. Many high ranking politicians
have already spoken out in favour of the boy and requested his release. But to no avail since
the Turkish judicial system claims to be "independent". However after the German/Turkish
tourism tycoon Mr. Vural Oeger visited Turkey and spoke to the ruling judge in this case Marco
was unexpectedly released without bail and flown back to Germany in Mr. Oeger private plane.

Back in April 07 Marco was staying together with his parents in a beach front holiday resort in Side/Turkey.
There he meet "Charlotte" a girl from the UK. According to Marco the girl told him that she is 15 years old
and according to numerous witnesses the girl appears to be older than 13. Anyway after a night out in the disco
Marco and another boy ended up in the room of Charlotte where she was staying together with her older sister and
another girl. While Charlotte's sister was out on the balcony with her male friend, Marco & Charlotte became "friendly"
in her room. According to Marco by mutual consent. However when Charlotte mother finally found out what her daughter
was doing she called in the police and charged Marco with rape. The Turkish doctor examine Charlotte found that
she was still a virgin so rape can be ruled out.

Marco was then locked in a cell with numerous criminals. The court hearing was repeatedly
postponed for various reason, prompting his lawyer to consider to lodge a claim with the
European court of justice since Marco's rights are here crossly neglected and the boy may sustain permanent
psychological problems while he is kept in the Turkish jail.

Editors note: This case just highlights serious problems within the Turkish judicial system and I would rather consider if it is
worthwhile the risk to travel to this country under the circumstances. Unfortunately we don't have a Mr. Oeger in Australia.

Further discussion on the subject is also available at the UK crime forum

http://www.crimeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?p=3059

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