ISTANBUL (Medyascope) – A 19-year-old man was subjected to a “prolonged and brutal” assault and sexual torture while in police custody, Istanbul prosecutors have alleged.
By Fırat Fıstık (Medyascope)
The complainant, identified by the initials M.A.E.Ş., alleges that officers at a station in the Kadıköy district beat him for hours and attempted to sodomize him with a glass bottle after he was detained on suspicion of drug trafficking.
The Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Thursday that a judicial process has been initiated to “meticulously” investigate the claims of ill-treatment.
According to the young man’s testimony, the incident began on March 3 when police stopped the vehicle he was driving. While no illegal substances were found during a search of the car or his home, he was still taken into custody.
M.A.E.Ş. claims that four to five officers began assaulting him with punches and slaps while he was still inside the police cruiser. He alleges the violence escalated significantly once they reached the station.
“They stripped me and applied soap to my anal region,” the complainant stated in his official deposition. “One officer then attempted to force a one-liter soda bottle into me while the others stood by and watched.”
He further alleged that officers brought wooden objects and soap into the interrogation room and continued the physical assault while shouting profanities.
“Forced confession”
The 19-year-old also claimed that officers tried to coerce him into signing a false statement. He alleged he was instructed to say his injuries—which included visible bruising to his face and shoulder—were the result of a street fight that occurred prior to his arrest.
The victim’s lawyer reported being denied access to his client for several hours. When finally permitted to see him, the solicitor described seeing clear evidence of a “seven-hour ordeal” of torture.
Official response
In a written statement, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had launched the investigation on the same day the allegations were brought forward.
“The judicial process regarding these allegations is being carried out with the utmost diligence,” the statement read, adding that “all necessary examinations, research, and evidence collection activities are ongoing.”
M.A.E.Ş. has requested a new medical report to document the full extent of his internal and external injuries, stating he would be able to identify his assailants if shown their photographs.
The case has sparked renewed concerns regarding police brutality in Turkey, with human rights advocates calling for a transparent investigation to ensure those responsible do not get off scot-free.
Turkish authorities launch probe into police torture allegations | Translated and edited by Medyascope English Newsroom
