Call from the Istanbul Medical Chamber to physicians conducting detention examinations: 'It cannot be done under pressure'

The statement included the following expressions: 

"Peaceful opposition protests have been continuing for days against the detention and subsequent arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and main opposition party presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu on charges of terrorism and corruption following the cancellation of his diploma. First and foremost, it must be stated that the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration without prior permission is a right clearly defined in our Constitution (Article 34). It is unacceptable that young people, including physicians and medical students, are subjected to insults, physical assault, and even further practices that could be considered within the scope of torture simply for exercising this right and expressing their democratic reactions.

However, we are unfortunately following with concern the allegations that security forces are increasingly using violence against our citizens, and that this violence is turning into torture, particularly against young people, and we are watching the footage with horror. First, let us state that torture is a crime against humanity. According to Article 94 of the Turkish Penal Code, it requires a prison sentence of three to twelve years, with no statute of limitations. The reports we physicians prepare, especially the entry and exit examinations for detention, are of critical importance in the detection and proof of the crime of torture."

The Istanbul Medical Chamber, calling on physicians involved in the examinations, issued the following warnings:

"Detention examinations are conducted in health institutions. Do not accept verbal or written assignments to conduct detention examinations in places such as police stations, security directorates, or detention centers, as these constitute illegal orders. The presence of security forces in the examination room during the examination and handcuffed examinations are absolutely unacceptable. When you encounter such a situation, ask the security officers to remove the handcuffs and leave the room; if they do not accept, inform your administrative superior and keep a record.

During the examination, be sure to take a detailed anamnesis, examine the person's entire body in detail, record all findings you detect in your report, and photograph them. Do not accept pressure to prepare and submit your report immediately; be sure to request all consultations you deem necessary and wait for the results. Medicine cannot be practiced under pressure. Do not forget that if you feel under any pressure in the environment where you are working, you can inform your administrative supervisor and quickly leave your post. 

We remind you that if the rules listed above are not followed for any reason during the examinations, legal action may be taken against you. As the Istanbul Medical Chamber, we would like to express our full belief that no physician will avoid the responsibility of documenting a committed crime against humanity, not because it is prohibited, but because of the requirements of medical values."

News Source: 12punto