United Nations Committee against Torture expresses concern that torture and ill-treatment still endemic in Türkiye

Written by Chris Ramsey, Country Coordinator for Türkiye 

On 26 July the United Nations Committee against Torture that monitors states’ compliance with the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or punishment published its latest review of the situation in Türkiye. 

The Committee was concerned by allegations that torture and ill-treatment continued to occur in Türkiye, including beatings and sexual assault by law enforcement officers. It recommended that all allegations of torture and ill-treatment be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated, and that those found guilty be punished commensurately with the gravity of their crimes. It also raised concerns over the deterioration in the independence of judges and lawyers since the failed coup attempt in 2016, including the mass dismissal of judges and prosecutors, the closure of bar associations, the erosion of the independence of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, and the potential impacts affecting the investigation and prosecution of torture and ill-treatment. The Committee recommended that Türkiye ensure the full independence, impartiality, and effectiveness of the judiciary, and refrain from interference in the self-governance of professional lawyers’ associations. 

The Committee was alarmed by the regime of aggravated life imprisonment in Türkiye, noting that many prisoners subject to this regime were kept isolated in cells for over 22 hours per day in de facto solitary confinement, and that some had no prospect of release.  

The Committee was particularly concerned about the situation of prisoners Abdullah Öcalan, Hamili Yıldırım, Ömer Hayri Konar and Veysi Aktaş, currently held in İmralı Prison, who have been unable to contact their families or lawyers since March 2021. The Committee recommended that the State party consider abolishing the penalty of aggravated life imprisonment and immediately facilitate contact between prisoners held in İmralı Prison and their families and legal representatives. 

The above findings, officially named Concluding Observations, are now available on the session page. 

If you are interested in campaigning on Human Rights issues in Türkiye please contact our Country Coordinator Chris Ramsey : chris.ramsey@amnesty.org.uk