Allegations of strip searches and mistreatment in IMM case brought to Parliament

The statements made by Medya AŞ General Manager Fatoş Pınar Türker, former general manager Elif İpek Atayman, and Public Relations Manager Elif Güven, who are being tried while in custody in the case against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, alleging that they were subjected to strip searches, threats, mistreatment, and psychological pressure in prison and at the police station, have been brought to Parliament.

Republican People's Party (CHP) Eskişehir Deputy Utku Çakırözer, in his speech at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, called upon the relevant ministries as well as AK Party and MHP deputies. Çakırözer expressed his reaction by asking, "How much longer will you remain silent in the face of these inhumane, degrading tortures?"

Çakırözer stated, "What Fatoş Pınar Türker, Elif Güven, and İpek Atayman, who were able to present their defense after fifteen months of detention in the IMM conspiracy case, have recounted is shameful for all of us. We are facing a grave picture that targets human dignity, ranging from the harassment, threats, and pressures they experienced from their homes to police custody and then to prison, to inhumane methods such as strip searches, and threats made through their children and their homes, as well as pressures to become informants.

In a state governed by the rule of law, law enforcement and judicial institutions cannot turn into mechanisms that produce torture and slander. I am addressing not only the relevant ministers here but also our conscientious friends from the AKP and MHP: How much longer will you remain silent in the face of these inhumane, degrading tortures? What are you waiting for to initiate an effective investigation into this disgrace and to take action to put an end to these degrading tortures?"

News Source: 12punto