Ice cream vendor arrested after tourist alleges harassment in Türkiye

26 Jul 2025 • 12:14 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

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By: Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd

ISTANBUL: A Turkish ice cream vendor has reportedly been arrested recently after a female tourist alleged she was sexually harassed during a layover in Beyoğlu.

The tourist shared a video of the incident earlier this month on the r/femaletravels and r/AskTurkey forums, seeking advice and support.

She described feeling “disgusted, humiliated, angry, and sad,” and said she regretted not reacting more forcefully at the time.

window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});With her flight scheduled the following morning, she said the short stay left her no opportunity to pursue the matter immediately.

The woman expressed determination to hold the vendor accountable, saying she planned to report the incident to the tourism police.

Beyoğlu Mayor İnan Güney confirmed on social media that the vendor had been arrested and the business permanently shut down.

He added that the local authorities are committed to ensuring Beyoğlu remains a safe space for women.