After the Martyr Şeyda Yılmaz: What Should Be Done Before We Turn Into Crime Machines?

In Ümraniye, İstanbul, 19-year-old Yunus Emre Geçti, who was arrested for motorcycle theft and later escaped from the police station, carried out an armed attack that resulted in the martyrdom of 27-year-old Police Officer Şeyda Yılmaz. This tragic event, which has deeply affected Türkiye, also drew attention to Geçti's extensive criminal record of 26 offenses and his transformation into a crime machine at a very young age. Experts who trace the roots of crime back to childhood and adolescence emphasized the need for investment in individuals' social and emotional development from an early age to prevent such tragedies.

Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen, a faculty member at the Psychology Department of Altınbaş University and the Psychological Application and Research Center (APAM), pointed out that after this tragic incident, guidance in the personality development of children and young people is essential. She stated that social and emotional deprivation underlies such crimes and stressed the importance of teaching values like empathy, kindness, and cooperation in schools. Prof. Dr. Özen highlighted that individuals drawn to crime often have social and emotional deficiencies, and emphasized the need to cultivate empathy and kindness in schools and families.

“The Cornerstone of Society is Kindness and Empathy”

Prof. Dr. Özen emphasized the importance of equipping young people with healthy and supportive social skills before they step into the world of crime. She stated that in addition to focusing on academic success, schools should implement programs aimed at social and emotional development. She said:

“Academic success is certainly important, but it is vital for students to learn values such as kindness, empathy, and cooperation. Teaching these skills in schools contributes to raising stronger and more supportive individuals in society. Unfortunately, many individuals turn into crime machines because they do not learn these fundamental values during childhood.”

“Intervention in the Education System to Prevent Crime”

Prof. Dr. Özen pointed out the tragic consequences of Geçti not receiving the necessary social and emotional support during childhood and called for the implementation of peer kindness programs in schools to prevent such cases:

“Schools should introduce programs that help students acquire social skills. Values like empathy, kindness, and tolerance assist individuals in existing more healthily in society. Growing up in such an environment as a child means a healthier society and a healthier generation.”

“Let’s Build Strong Societies Through Kindness”

Prof. Dr. Özen also emphasized the need for workshops, group projects, and activities that enhance problem-solving skills to support the development of social skills during childhood. She noted that such programs could repair the weak social ties that push individuals toward crime, concluding with the following words:

“The values of kindness, empathy, and cooperation that form the foundation of a society not only strengthen individuals but also empower the community. These values allow individuals to undergo healthy development instead of turning to crime. By teaching our youth kindness instead of bullying, we can build stronger and healthier societies for our future.”