In the case of 21-year-old Kurdish student Rojin Kabaiş, who died under unclear circumstances, a new campaign for clarification has been launched. More than a year and a half after her death, relatives, lawyers, and initiatives continue to accuse the investigative authorities of a lack of transparency and delays.
The “Justice Commissions for Rojin Kabaiş” have initiated a petition titled “Do Not Conceal Evidence! Unlock the Phone, Disclose the DNA.” The aim is to advance the investigation of the case, reveal information that has so far been withheld, and hold those responsible accountable. The campaign is directed at the broader public and can be supported online. In the coming days, information stands will also be set up in 56 cities across Turkey to collect additional signatures.
Suspicious death
Rojin Kabaiş was a student at Yüzüncü Yıl University in Van province. In October 2024, the 21-year-old woman was found dead on the shore of Lake Van 18 days after disappearing from her dormitory. The investigative authorities had early on put forward the hypothesis of suicide. However, the family and legal representatives have rejected this from the outset, describing the case as an unresolved, suspected femicide.
Further doubts arise from a forensic report indicating traces of DNA from two men as well as possible sexual violence. Access to this report, however, was granted to the family’s lawyer only about a year after the young woman’s death. For the family and supporting initiatives, this is a central point of criticism. They accuse the authorities of failing to thoroughly pursue evidence and of delaying access to crucial information.
With the campaign, public pressure is now intended to be increased in order to force a full clarification of the case. The demands focus in particular on the analysis of mobile phone data and the full disclosure of the DNA results.
The petition can be reached here:
Leave a Reply