Criminal Complaint in Tahir Elçi Investigation: Spoliation of Evidence at Forensic Medicine

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In a statement released on its website, Tahir Elçi Foundation has underlined that the deposition of Forensic Medicine Institution worker Mehtap Altuğ will contribute to the investigation conducted by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the death of Tahir Elçi, the Chair of Diyarbakır Bar Association and murdered on November 28, 2015 in Diyarbakır.

According to the statement of the foundation, Altuğ indicated in her deposition that they conducted a DNA test on one of the evidence collected as part of Tahir Elçi murder and they informed the National Judiciary Informatics System (UYAP) about the issue.

Altuğ indicated that the DNA sample in question was removed from the file upon the instruction of an executive at the Forensic Medicine Institution.

'It will contribute to uncover the truth'

The foundation has also underlined in its statement that "in the event that any certainty is found in the information given by Forensic Medicine Institution worker Mehtap Altuğ, the information in question will contribute to uncover the material fact in the investigation conducted into the killing of Tahir Elçi by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office."

"However, no administrative or penal investigation has been conducted about the related statements of Mehtap Altuğ", it has informed further.

Accordingly, Tahir Elçi Foundation has announced that they have appealed to Baırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and filed a criminal complaint against Forensic Medicine Institution personnel and executives on charges of "destroying, hiding or tampering with crime evidence" as per the Article 281 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), "misconduct in office" as per the Article 257 of the TCK and "misprision" as per the Article 278 of the TCK.

The foundation has also applied to the Ministry of Justice and requested that an administrative investigation be launched against the responsible parties. (DB/SD)