Details of Harassment Directed at Female Personnel Unveiled by CHP Vice President
In Izmir, Berkhan Alptekin, the vice president of the CHP-affiliated Karşıyaka Municipality, has had the details of his harassment towards Hazal D., an employee at the municipality, and sports instructor Yazgı G. revealed. Alptekin, who was removed from his position by Mayor Behiye Yıldız Ünsal and given a “reprimand” penalty, was reported to have asked Hazal D. “What do you owe your beauty to?” and invited her to various locations.
Alptekin, who was removed from his position as the vice president of Karşıyaka Municipality due to allegations of harassment, had received a “reprimand” penalty as a result of an internal disciplinary investigation conducted within the municipality. Following the events, Mayor Behice Yıldız Ünsal stripped Alptekin of his vice presidency. Alptekin was then reassigned as a specialist at the Bülent Ecevit Cultural Center affiliated with Karşıyaka Municipality. Additionally, an investigation was launched regarding Cenk Karslı, the Director of Sports, who was also removed from his position due to allegations of harassing another female employee within the municipality.
TESTIMONIES OF HARASSED FEMALE PERSONNEL REVEALED
The testimonies given by Hazal D., an employee at Karşıyaka Municipality, and sports instructor Yazgı G. came to light. It was reported that Yazgı G., who worked under the coordination of Karşıyaka Municipality’s Directorate of Sports, had also filed complaints against both Vice President Berkhan Alptekin and the dismissed Sports Director Cenk Karslı.
PERSONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT PRIVATE LIFE
In her statement to the inspectors, Hazal D. explained that Alptekin had asked her personal questions about her private life. Hazal D. mentioned that Alptekin had specifically invited her to various restaurants and cafes after work hours, stating, “I live in Güzelbahçe. One day, he invited me to the office to meet face-to-face. Later on, he asked, ‘What do you owe your beauty to?’ After work, he mentioned places where he could have wine and dinner. He then reached out his hand to me and tried to establish physical contact. He expressed a desire to be friends with me, to establish closeness.”
YAZGI G. ALSO SHARED HER EXPERIENCE OF HARASSMENT BY THE SPORTS DIRECTOR
Yazgı G., the sports instructor at the municipality, also filed a complaint against the Sports Director Cenk Karslı while recounting her experience of being harassed by Vice President Alptekin. She mentioned that Alptekin had invited her to have dinner in Bostanlı, expressing a desire to discuss sports and school-related matters. When she arrived at the meeting place to discuss working conditions and municipal sports schools, she was surprised to find that the location was an office-like setting that had been prearranged.
The detailed accounts of harassment revealed by the female personnel at Karşıyaka Municipality shed light on the distressing experiences they had to endure. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to ensure that such behavior is not tolerated in any workplace. The courage of these women in coming forward with their testimonies is commendable, and efforts must be made to create a safe and respectful environment for all employees.
Efforts to Combat Harassment in the Workplace
In response to these revelations, Mayor Behiye Yıldız Ünsal has emphasized the importance of taking swift action to address harassment and misconduct within the municipality. She stated that measures would be implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees.
Support for Victims of Harassment
It is essential for organizations to provide support and resources for victims of harassment to come forward and seek assistance. By creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to report misconduct, organizations can effectively address and prevent such behavior from persisting.
Call for Accountability and Change
The recent events at Karşıyaka Municipality serve as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of respect and equality in the workplace. It is imperative for organizations to establish clear policies and procedures for addressing harassment and to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
As the investigation into the harassment allegations continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to cooperate fully and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address the issue effectively. By standing together against harassment and misconduct, we can create a safer and more inclusive work environment for everyone.
