A teenage boy in Turkey has died following an incident that has been compared to torture. Muhammed Kendirci was working as an apprentice in a carpentry shop when he became the victim of what was allegedly supposed to be a joke or prank. Sadly, what happened to him was not even remotely funny and caused him a lot of pain before his death. Currently, it is unknown if the people who assaulted him will face jail time, but the level of cruelty is opening an important conversation about child labor in the country.
The incident took place on November 14, 2025, while the 15-year-old was working in Bozova, a municipality and district of Şanlıurfa Province, local outlet Milliyet reported.
Kendirci allegedly had his hands tied by Habip Aksoy, a fellow apprentice, and another friend who has not been named, per the outlet. Then his pants were forcibly removed, and a high-pressure compressor was used to force air up his rectum.
Medical help was dispatched, and Kendirci was first taken to Bozova Mehmet Enver Yıldırım State Hospital. The teen was then brought to Balıklıgöl State Hospital, before being transferred to Harran University Research and Application Hospital.
According to news outlet Hurriyet, Kendirci was in the intensive care unit for five days because he had severe internal organ damage. He died on the morning of November 19.
Multiple outlets reported that Aksoy was arrested immediately following the incident, but he was released on probation as the investigation continued. Since Kendirci’s death, he has been arrested again by the on-duty court, Milliyet reported.
Suat Özçağdaş, a member of the Turkish parliament, addressed the boy’s death on X, saying that he was “subjected to torture.”
“This horrific event is the collective responsibility of those who turn a blind eye to child labor, those who fail to conduct inspections, those who impose exploitation instead of school; those who exploit cheap labor, children’s bodies, and the sweat of their brows,” he wrote in his post.
“Our children die while working, the perpetrators call it a ‘joke,’ institutions whitewash it, and those in power remain silent,” he continued. “We will continue to fight for all our children who are torn from education and condemned to exploitation; we will not surrender any of our children to darkness.”
The investigation is reportedly ongoing.
