British teacher Rebecca Richardson accused of molesting 5-year-old child in Türkiye

A request for extradition has been made by Turkish judicial authorities for 53-year-old British national Rebecca Richardson, who was accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old child in 2019 while teaching at an international school in Istanbul. Richardson had fled Türkiye following the molestation accusations.

In the hearing held the day before, the British teacher claimed she was suffering from depression in an effort to avoid extradition.

Doctors who examined Richardson told the court that she has mental health issues and is experiencing moderate depression. They added that if she were extradited to Türkiye and imprisoned, her symptoms could worsen.

“Could commit suicide”

When the panel of doctors was asked whether the risk of suicidal thoughts would increase if Richardson were extradited, they responded, “Yes.”

Richardson has been released on conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in another hearing on June 2, when the extradition request will be reviewed. A decision on the extradition is expected at least two weeks after that hearing.

Red notice issued on Rebecca Richardson

The indictment against Richardson seeks up to 11.5 years in prison on charges of “aggravated sexual abuse of a child,” “simple assault,” and “insult.”

In the hearing held at the 19th High Criminal Court of Bakirkoy, the attorney representing the victim’s family noted that female DNA was mentioned in the reports and stated that Richardson must be brought to Türkiye to determine whether the DNA belongs to her.

In 2023, an Interpol red notice was issued for Richardson’s arrest.