Turkey Convicted of “Unexpected Death of Soldier”

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a verdict on an application on Tuesday regarding the case with Yılmaz Köse, a private who allegedly committed suicide during his compulsory military service. Previously, Turkish Armed forces stated that he committed suicide. ECHR found Turkey guilty.

Relying on Article 2 (right to live) of European Convention of Human Rights, Turkey was obliged due to “the inadequate nature of the investigation”. Turkey will pay to Köse’s father 10,000 Euros in respect of non-pecuniary damages.

ECHR: There is an inadequate investigation

Yılmaz Köse started his military service in April 2002. He was found with serious injuries on 15^th December 2002 and taken straight to hospital.

After his death Ankara Military Prosecutor conducted an investigation. The prosecutor issued a verdict that Yılmaz Köse committed suicide.

Military prosecutor ruled on 28^th 2005 that there was no need for criminal prosecution. According to the military prosecutor, Köse shot himself with M-1 rifle.

Mehmet Köse, father of Yılmaz Köse filed an appeal against the Military Prosecutor. He was declined and Mehmet Köse appealed to ECHR. In his appeal to ECHR, Mehmet Köse stated that his son’s death was unnatural and military court did not succeed in dispelling all the doubts surrounding his son’s death.

According to the verdict of ECHR, the military court ruled that no prosecution was necessary with an adequate investigation. (AS/BD/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.