Turkish child with Down syndrome banned from entering children's playground in Ankara

Al Bawaba

14-04-2025

ALBAWABA - Turkish media reported that a 7-year-old child with Down syndrome was forbidden from entering children's playground in Ankara causing a wide fuss in the Turkish community. Also Read Syrian father brutally abuses daughter, sends video to her mother
A young child called Mert went with his teacher Sevcan to a playground inside a shopping mall in Ankaram, but his teacher was shocked after the kid was prohibited from entering the area due to being a special needs kid.
A video erupted on social media showing teacher Sevcan arguing with employees inside the playground area in the shopping mall after they told her that the child with Down syndrome couldn't enter the playing area due to his condition.
Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Services released a statement regarding the viral video on social media confirming that serious measures have been taken against the business and that mental support was given to Mert and his family.
They posted the statement on X: "It has been deemed appropriate to make the following statement regarding the news and posts titled 'A 7-year-old child with Down Syndrome was not allowed into the playground in the Etimesgut district of Ankara' published in some press and social media platforms today."
Full statement by Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Services. (X)
"Following the images, our provincial directorate teams took immediate action and met with our child's family, and psychosocial support was provided."
The statement also read: "As per the Ministry, a criminal complaint was filed against the business in question under the Turkish Penal Code's 'hate and discrimination' crime."
"We would like to inform the public that all our children have equal rights that we will act with a zero tolerance principle against discrimination, and that we will follow the process meticulously."