WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR A COUNTRY WHERE ALL CHILDREN CAN LIVE EQUALLY, FREELY, AND IN SAFETY!

The brutal murder of Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi has deeply shaken us. First and foremost, we extend
our condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone who feels this pain in their hearts, and we
share our solidarity.
At the same time, we regret to observe that in the aftermath of this terrible incident, punitive
approaches rising rapidly in public discourse—particularly the demands for harsher penalties against
children in conflict with the law—have reached an alarming level.
It must not be forgotten that the principle of legality, one of the fundamental foundations of the rule
of law, and the prohibition of retroactive punishment are not only universal legal principles but also
explicitly guaranteed by Article 38 of the 1982 Constitution. Therefore, any legal changes to be made
will only apply to the future; they cannot provide solutions for past events.
More importantly, the juvenile justice system is based not on punishment, but on a preventive,
restorative, and educational approach. It cannot be overlooked that a large proportion of children in
conflict with the law grow up in environments of socioeconomic deprivation, neglect, abuse, and
inequality. Focusing solely on punishing these children will not solve the problem; on the contrary, it
will inflict deeper social wounds.
At this point, what truly needs to be done is to implement inclusive social policies that prevent
children from being driven into crime, ensure equal opportunities in education, and provide qualified
public support mechanisms. At the same time, for children already in contact with the justice system,
approaches that enable their reintegration into society must be strengthened.
Today, instead of viewing children as a “threat,” we must confront the reality that we have failed to
protect them. Protecting children is not only an individual responsibility but also a social and political
one.
Since the day it was founded, the Association for Supporting Contemporary Life (ÇYDD) has been
striving to create a society where all children in Turkey can grow up equally, freely, and in safety. We
will continue to raise our voice under all circumstances for the establishment of an order that
prioritizes children’s right to life, safety, and dignity.
Respectfully announced to the public.