Turkish Government Convicted for Death at Military Post

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found the Turkish government guilty of a violation of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights on the right to life in the scope of the death of Ekem Kurt. Kurt had allegedly committed suicide with the weapon of his friends when he was on guard at his military post.

The ECHR decreed for a monetary fine of € 18,000 in compensation to be paid to the family of Ekrem Kurt.

Kurt was doing his military service at the Gendarmerie Outpost Command in Uludere in the south-eastern province of Şırnak. Subsequent to a psychological examination on 28 February 2007, it was specified that Kurt would not be allowed to hold a weapon during his military service. On 6 March 2007, he allegedly committed suicide with the weapon of his friend while on guard.

Article 2: Right to Life

1 - Everyone's right to life shall be protected by law. No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in the execution of a sentence of a court following his conviction of a crime for which this penalty is provided by law.

2 - Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary:

a) in defence of any person from unlawful violence;

b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained;

c) in action lawfully taken for the purpose of quelling a riot or insurrection. (ÇT/VK)