Encouraging Torturers and Rapists

The Istanbul Security Directorate lifted an "administrative investigation" about claims by Gulbahar Gunduz, Istanbul provincial head of the pro-Kurdish Democratic People's Party (DEHAP), who says she was raped by men who said they were civilian police officers.

The Human Rights Association (IHD) was informed about the lifting of the administrative investigation on October 15. The Security Directorate said that the reason for lifting the investigation was that "no security official is in the position of defendant."

Nermin Selcuk, Baran Dogan and Suat Eren, lawyers of the IHD Office of Legal Aid Against Sexual Harassment and Rape Under Detention, said the decision was "against law and justice," and argued it was "political."

DEHAP provincial head Gunduz was kidnapped on June 14 by men in civilian outfits and was tortured, harassed and raped.

The lawyers, in a press statement, reminded that police did not allow for a press announcement in the Sarachane Park, where Gunduz was kidnapped, and said that some 100 people were injured as a result of police beating and the attack of police dogs. According to the lawyers, fake documents were prepared about the incident. Legal and administrative institutions as a result of claims of "torture and rape" began two separate investigations.

The reason for lifting the investigation is stated as, "no security official is in the position of defendant."

The lawyers argued that the administrative investigation should be pursued in light of the evidence resulting from the legal investigation. "Lifting the administrative investigation after a stylistic research, has encouraged torturers and rapists," the lawyers said. (BB/EA/NM)