They were detained during the İmamoğlu protests: A striking report from the Istanbul Bar Association

The Istanbul Bar Association has revealed the human rights violations experienced by children detained during protests following the conviction of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in a detailed report. The Bar, which monitored the events that took place between March 22-28, stated that serious violations occurred during the interventions against children.

REVERSE HANDCUFFS, VIOLENCE…

According to the report, 26 children were detained during the protests. It was determined that 20 of these children were handcuffed unlawfully, and many were subjected to reverse handcuffing. Nearly half of the detained children stated that they were subjected to physical violence by the police. Some children described having pepper spray sprayed directly into their eyes, while others recounted being kept waiting for hours while handcuffed behind their backs.

PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE AND INSULTS

The children were subjected not only to physical violence but also to psychological abuse and verbal mistreatment involving insults. 18 of the detained children were kept together with adults in vehicles, buildings, or parking lots, despite the requirement that they be kept separate from adults.

CHILDREN KEPT IN VEHICLES FOR HOURS

Another striking finding in the report was that detention procedures were not carried out in accordance with the law. The transfer of 19 children to the juvenile bureau was delayed; some were kept in vehicles for up to 12 hours. 15 children were not provided with food or water during their detention and were left hungry and thirsty for hours.

STATEMENTS TAKEN BY TERROR CRIMES PROSECUTOR

The statements of 14 children were taken by a prosecutor handling terror crimes instead of a juvenile prosecutor. It was emphasized that this situation contradicts legal procedures regarding children's rights.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FROM THE BAR

In its report, the Istanbul Bar Association reminded that the detention of children should only be applied as a last resort after all other alternatives have been exhausted. It was stated that the use of handcuffs and reverse handcuffs should be completely abolished. Furthermore, recommendations were made for law enforcement officers to receive training on children's rights, for independent oversight mechanisms to be established, and for allegations of violence to be investigated effectively. 

News Source: 12punto