Woman defends stabbing husband in public confrontation in Türkiye
A woman in Adana bit and stabbed her husband while he was driving a minibus claiming that he was withholding their child, Adana, Türkiye, Jan. 9, 2024. (IHA Photo)
A dramatic domestic violence case has emerged in Adana, Türkiye, revealing a harrowing account of abuse, gambling debts and despair.
What happened:
- Sabriye A., a 26-year-old pregnant woman, attacked her husband, Mehmet A., with pepper spray and a knife while he drove a public bus on Jan. 9
- Security footage captured her entering the bus, confronting her husband, and attacking him before fleeing the scene
- Mehmet A. sustained injuries to his neck and arm and was taken to a hospital
- Police arrested Sabriye A. shortly after and placed her under house arrest pending further legal action
The case has drawn attention in Türkiye because of the tragic circumstances of the couple’s relationship.
Woman suffers abuse, gambling debts, years of struggle
Sabriye A. described the hardships she faced during her three-year marriage. She explained that her marriage to Mehmet A. was arranged, and she initially believed he was a stable partner because he worked in the military.
She later discovered his gambling addiction and alleged infidelity. Despite repeated physical violence and threats, she stayed in the marriage for the sake of their two-year-old child.
One particularly harrowing incident occurred at her workplace, where Mehmet A. strangled her to prevent her from pursuing a divorce. Security camera footage reportedly documented this act. “I was afraid for my life and my child’s future,” said Sabriye.
She had attempted to seek legal protection in Türkiye. In one instance, she filed charges against her husband but later withdrew them, believing that he had recovered for the sake of their child. Mehmet A. was eventually dismissed from the military for his conduct but continued gambling, further straining their relationship.
Confrontation sparked by indecent proposal tied to gambling debts
The situation escalated when Sabriye began receiving indecent proposals from men connected to Mehmet’s gambling debts. She recalled receiving a phone call in which a man suggested that she could settle her husband’s debts through inappropriate means.
When she told Mehmet about the call, his response shocked her.
“He told me, ‘It’s normal. One time won’t hurt,’ and dismissed my concerns,” she said through tears.
- After their heated argument, Mehmet left with their child
- Sabriye discovered that he had left the child with his brother, who she claimed struggled with substance abuse
Desperate to find her child, Sabriye contacted her brother-in-law. “I called my brother-in-law when I learned my son was with him. He cursed at me and refused to let me speak to or take back my child,” she said.
- His refusal and hostile response added to her growing emotional distress
- Unable to bear the situation any longer, Sabriye confronted Mehmet at his workplace
“I couldn’t bear it anymore. I felt cornered and desperate,” she explained. The argument turned violent, culminating in the attack.
Mother’s desperate plea to reunite with her child
Sabriye, who is five months pregnant, expressed deep regret for her actions but emphasized her ongoing anguish over being separated from her child. “It’s been five days, and I haven’t even heard my son’s voice,” she said.
“I’m desperate to be reunited with him. A child belongs with their mother.”
Her husband’s family reportedly blocked her attempts to contact her son, further compounding her distress.
She has since filed a formal complaint with the police, seeking legal assistance to regain custody.
Legal, societal concerns about domestic violence in Türkiye
The case has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the obstacles women face when seeking justice in Türkiye.
Women’s rights organizations have pointed to Sabriye’s story as an example of systemic failures in protecting victims of abuse.
Although legal measures exist in Türkiye, many women remain in abusive relationships because of societal pressures, inadequate enforcement of protection orders, and fears for their children’s safety.
The court’s decision to place Sabriye under house arrest rather than detain her reflects the complexities of her situation.
Her lawyer argued that her actions stemmed from years of provocation and emotional distress, emphasizing that she acted out of desperation rather than malice.
Meanwhile, Sabriye’s primary concern remains with her son. “I just want my child back,” she said. “He’s only two years old, and he needs his mother.”
