Turkey: Police, Watchmen Involved in Torture, Ill-Treatment

(Istanbul July 29, 2020)— There is credible evidence that Turkish police and community “night watchmen” have committed serious abuses against at least 14 people in six incidents in Diyarbakir and Istanbul in the last two months, Human Rights Watch said today.




The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings and other abuse that seem to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody. They should be fully investigated. In four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse rather than making a commitment to investigate them. In recent days, media outlets released video footage and reports that appear to show three more cases in other Turkish cities. Because of the time frame, Human Right Watch has not been able to investigate them. “The immediate knee jerk denial of police wrongdoing when faced with reports of police violence, torture and ill-treatment – specifically in recent incidents in Diyarbakir - is sadly familiar, but not acceptable,” said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. “Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable.”