Chapter 14 – “We Did Nothing Wrong”
Local journalists eventually learned about the disappearance.
At first, reporting was cautious.
A missing young woman.
Previous complaints involving family control.
Concerns about a forced marriage.
Then broader discussion followed.
Women’s rights organisations spoke about honour-based abuse.
Commentators argued over family coercion, forced marriage, threats, and the difficulty of protecting adults who withdraw complaints because the pressure comes from the same people they love.
Sara’s family hated the coverage.
Cemal refused interviews.
Murat did not.
Outside the apartment building, a journalist asked:
“Do you believe your sister had the right to choose her own partner?”
Murat stared at him.
“That is not what happened.”
“What happened?”
“You people already decided.”
“Where is Sara?”
“She is with family.”
“Can she speak for herself?”
Murat’s face tightened.
“She doesn’t owe strangers anything.”
“Can she speak to Italian authorities?”
Murat walked away.
The journalist followed several steps.
“Do you believe you’ve done anything wrong?”
Murat stopped.
He turned.
“No.”
The answer was immediate.
Not defensive.
Not hesitant.
“No.”
Then he entered the building.
