Report criticizes investigation into student Rojin Kabaiş's death, citing evidence tampering fears

An investigation into the death of university student Rojin Kabaiş, whose body was found 18 days after she disappeared in Van on September 27, 2024, is under scrutiny. The Rojin Kabaiş Justice Commissions, after two years of work, released a report detailing their findings and criticisms of the official investigation process.

The report, presented at a press conference in Istanbul, highlighted significant flaws, particularly the initial focus on suicide during the first year of the investigation, which the commissions argue severely hampered its effectiveness. A key issue raised was the eight-month period the case file was kept inaccessible to the Van Bar Association, despite legal provisions that should not entirely block access for involved parties and their representatives.

Furthermore, the commissions criticized the delayed disclosure of DNA findings, which indicated the presence of two different males. These findings were known for nine months before being revealed, and details about where on Kabaiş's body the DNA was found emerged nearly a year later. Lawyer Abdurrahman Karabulut, whose assessment was read at the conference, suggested these delays might have allowed evidence to be obscured or lost, potentially influencing the investigation's direction.

The report also recalled allegations that the Governor of Van pressured Rojin Kabaiş's father, Nizamettin Kabaiş, towards a suicide conclusion during the autopsy. The commissions view this as an attempt to steer the investigation. Additionally, despite individuals being identified as suspects in a June 26 expert report, no action, such as questioning or DNA collection, has been taken against them. This has created a perception that certain individuals are being protected.

Criticism also extended to the decision to send Kabaiş's phone to China for unlocking, which the report deemed an unnecessary delay that could have led to the loss or degradation of crucial evidence. The commissions are calling for a thorough review of the evidence and a more comprehensive approach to the investigation.

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The delays in the investigation may have led to some evidence being obscured or lost.