Human Rights in Turkey
Babies/Children in Prison – Utku Keklik (4-year-old child)

Profile

VICTIM : Utku Keklik (4-year-old child)
INCIDENT : A 4-year-old child is held in prison together with his mother.
LOCATION : Ankara, Turkey
SITUATION : His mother, Havva Keklik, was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison on allegations of membership in the Gülen movement.

Case Summary

Four-year-old Utku Keklik was sent to Sincan Prison in Ankara on 10 September 2025, after the Supreme Court of Appeals (Yargıtay) upheld the 6 years and 3 months prison sentence given to his mother, Havva Keklik, on allegations of affiliation with the Gülen movement. It was noted that Utku, who should have been free like other children on April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, remains in prison with his mother, unlike his peers. It was stated that he is spending his developmental years in a closed environment with limited social interaction and restricted opportunities for play. Unlike other children, Utku is currently living in a prison ward. It was reported that he sees in his dreams the pigeon named “Pamuk,” which he used to watch outside, and he asks his father about the bird every time they meet. It was also stated that Havva Keklik still has approximately 2 years and 2 months left to serve, meaning that a significant part of Utku’s childhood will continue to be spent in prison conditions. His father regularly brings him pictures of the pigeon. It was further reported that Utku had previously been denied contact with his father during closed prison visits.

Source

Contact

Sincan Women Closed Penal Institution

Phone: 0 (312) 589 51 01

Mail: ankara.kadkcik@adalet.gov.tr 

General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses

Phone: (0312) 507 04 00 – (0312) 507 04 01

Mail: cte@adalet.gov.tr 

Ministry of Justice – Republic of Türkiye

Phone: +90 (0312) 417 77 70

Mail: info@adalet.gov.tr

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