Berfin Ozek and Casim Ozan Celtik are a Turkish couple who got married in December 2021, two years after Celtik threw acid on Ozek’s face and eyes, leaving her permanently disfigured and partially blind. Their marriage has sparked controversy and criticism, as many people question Ozek’s decision to forgive and marry her attacker.
The Attack
On January 15, 2019, Berfin Ozek, then 18 years old, was attacked by her ex-boyfriend Casim Ozan Celtik, then 21 years old, after their relationship ended. Celtik had been abusive to Ozek during their relationship and did not accept her decision to break up with him. He told her “If I can’t have you, no one can” before throwing acid on her face and eyes.
Ozek survived the attack but suffered severe injuries. She was left with scars and burns on her face, neck, chest, and arms. She also lost most of her vision in both eyes, with only 30% left in one eye. She underwent several surgeries and treatments, but still experienced constant pain and discomfort.
Ozek reported the attack to the police and Celtik was arrested. He confessed to throwing acid on her and said he regretted his actions. He also sent her letters from prison, apologizing and asking for her forgiveness. He claimed that he still loved her and wanted to marry her.
The Investigation
Celtik was charged with attempted murder and causing permanent disability. He faced up to 20 years in prison. However, he pleaded not guilty and claimed that he did not intend to kill or harm Ozek. He said that he only wanted to scare her and make her feel sorry for him. He also said that he was depressed and suicidal at the time of the attack.
Ozek initially filed a complaint against Celtik and demanded justice. She said that she hated him and wanted him to pay for what he did to her. She also said that she did not believe his apologies or love letters. She said that he was a liar and a manipulator who only wanted to escape punishment.
However, after receiving his letters, Ozek changed her mind and decided to withdraw her complaint. She wrote a letter to the court, saying that she forgave Celtik and loved him too. She said that she wanted to marry him and start a new life with him. She also asked the judge to release him from prison.
Ozek’s letter caused a huge backlash on social media. Many people criticized her for forgiving and marrying her attacker. They accused her of being naive, foolish, or brainwashed. They also warned her that Celtik would abuse her again or kill her in the future.
Ozek later regretted her letter and asked her lawyer to reinstate her complaint. She said that she realized that she was wrong and that Celtik did not deserve her forgiveness or love. She said that she wanted him to stay in prison for a long time.
In April 2020, Celtik was found guilty of attempted murder and causing permanent disability. He was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison. He appealed his conviction but lost in 2021.
The Marriage
Despite his conviction, Celtik was released from prison in December 2021 due to a change in the law and COVID-19 rule changes. He was allowed to leave jail on probation until May 2022.
As soon as he was released, Celtik proposed to Ozek again. He gave her a ring and asked her to marry him. He said that he had changed and that he would never hurt her again. He said that he wanted to take care of her and make her happy.
Ozek accepted his proposal and agreed to marry him. She said that she still loved him and trusted him. She said that she believed that he had changed and that he would never hurt her again. She said that she wanted to be with him and start a new life with him .
The couple got married in a civil ceremony. They signed legal documents as their witnesses looked on. They did not have a traditional wedding or a reception. They did not invite their families or friends. They did not share their photos or videos on social media.
Ozek’s father, Yasar Ozek, was shocked and angry when he learned about the marriage. He said that he did not know about it and that he did not approve of it. He said that he had fought for his daughter for years and that he felt betrayed by her. He refused to accept Celtik as his son-in-law.
Credits: Vocal Media