CHD preparing criminal complaint: Allegations of torture in 'well-type' prison against NATO protest detainee

It has been alleged that Mehmet Şimşek, a member of the Revolutionary Youth Associations who was arrested in Antalya as part of the protests and operations held before the NATO Leaders' Summit in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, was subjected to severe torture and brutal beatings in the "well-type" high-security prison to which he was transferred. The Antalya Branch of the Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD) announced that their client was beaten with clubs by prison guards during the prison admission process and that they have initiated legal proceedings.

A new incident has been added to the human rights violations reported to judicial authorities following the detentions and arrests made on the grounds of the NATO Summit. CHD lawyers emphasized that they will follow up on the incidents of assault and insults that took place in the prison.

Beaten with a club for "sitting on a chair"

Lawyer Taylan Sönmez, Secretary of the Antalya Branch of the Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD), shared the scandalous allegations regarding the admission of his client, Mehmet Şimşek, to the prison with the public. According to the lawyers' statements, the process of rights violations unfolded as follows:

It was alleged that during the prison admission process, a prison guard subjected Şimşek to severe insults and headbutted him.

It was stated that Mehmet Şimşek was beaten by officers using clubs and physical force on the grounds that he sat on a chair in the admission area.

Lawyer Taylan Sönmez pointed out that the room where his client was subjected to torture may have been chosen specifically to be outside the angle of security cameras, or that there may have been no cameras in the room at all.

Assault report obtained, criminal complaint to be filed

It was learned that following the assault, Mehmet Şimşek was transferred to a hospital as a result of his persistent demands and resistance against the prison administration.

Stating that his client underwent a medical examination at the hospital, Lawyer Taylan Sönmez noted that the signs of assault and injuries on his body were recorded in an official medical report. After the report was issued, Şimşek was taken back to the well-type prison cell where he is being held.

CHD: "We are following the process"

Stating that all necessary legal records, hospital reports, and client statements have been filed completely, the ÇHD Antalya Branch announced that they will file a criminal complaint for "torture," "misconduct in office," and "grievous bodily harm" against all prison staff and officials involved in the torture allegations and those attempting to cover up the crime. The association emphasized that it will continue its struggle against human rights violations stemming from the NATO Summit in the corridors and courthouses.

News Source: 12punto