Turkish Ministry of Justice: Allegations of torture against detained persons are absolutely untrue

The Turkish Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a press release from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey regarding the procedure of detention and custody of persons suspected of involvement in the attempted coup d'état.

What is the detention procedure?

Turkey is a state governed by the rule of law; even under a state of emergency, procedures of deprivation of liberty and detention (police custody) are carried out primarily in accordance with national and international law on human rights.

The health condition of persons deprived of liberty, from the moment of arrest and during detention, is subject to medical examination in accordance with relevant legal regulations. In accordance with Article 9 of the Regulation on Deprivation of Liberty, Detention and Interrogation, suspects undergo health checks during the procedure of deprivation of liberty and detention.

If a medical examination establishes that the suspect has been subjected to the criminal offense of torture under Article 94, the qualified form of torture under Article 95, or the criminal offense of ill-treatment under Article 96 of the Turkish Penal Code (Law No. 5237), it is a legal obligation to immediately notify the Republic Prosecutor's Office, which directly initiates an investigation against the relevant police officers.

How are detention centers monitored?

In addition, Republic prosecutors constantly monitor detention centers. All premises where persons deprived of liberty are held, including detention centers, are always open to visits by national institutions and organizations, as well as independent observers and international organizations, starting with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, in accordance with signed international agreements.

As a result of its zero-tolerance policy on torture, Turkey is one of the few countries in the world that has abolished the statute of limitations for the criminal offense of torture.

Are the allegations of torture true?

The allegations of torture against detained persons are absolutely untrue. Turkey is a state governed by the rule of law; even under a state of emergency, procedures of deprivation of liberty and detention are carried out primarily in accordance with national and international law on human rights. Furthermore, Turkey has restructured its Human Rights Council, expanded its jurisdiction, and it continues its activities as the Human Rights and Equality Council.

The organizations making these claims do not mention the terrorist organization that carried out the attempted coup d'état in Turkey, nor its inhumane actions.