Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç responds to torture allegations

Nine young people who were arrested for protesting President Erdoğan and spent five days in prison have announced that they will file a criminal complaint, alleging that they were subjected to torture. The young people stated that they were subjected to strip searches, their headscarves were cut, and they were left hungry in prison.

'ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT TRUE'

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, in his statement during the 2025 budget negotiations for his Ministry at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), categorically denied the allegations of mistreatment at the Marmara Women's Closed Penal Institution. Tunç said, "There is absolutely no question of strip searches being conducted. Practices in prisons are carried out based on respect for privacy and human dignity."

'NO RESTRICTIONS ON HEADSCARVES'

Addressing the headscarf allegations, Tunç stated, "Items that could harm personal safety are subject to inspection for security reasons. However, there is no restriction whatsoever regarding headscarves. Disinformation is being spread on social media regarding this matter."

Reacting to the criticism regarding headscarves, Tunç said, "We reached these positions by fighting for the headscarf. We were put on trial because we signed for freedom for the headscarf. You are not in a position to lecture us on headscarves."

WHAT HAPPENED?

While President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was giving a speech at the TRT World Forum on November 29, a group staged a protest, claiming that Turkey continues to trade with Israel.

The 9 individuals who were detained were arrested on charges of "insulting the President" and "violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911" and were released 5 days later.

The young people had stated that they were subjected to torture while in custody and in prison.