PM to Investigate Death Under Custody

The Human Rights Directorate of the Prime Ministry launches an investigation to look into the allegations that Gokhan Belguzar, who lost his life under detention at the Osmaniye Police Station in Bakirkoy, Istanbul, died as a result of torture.

In a written statement, the Human Rights Directorate said that the Istanbul Provincial Human Rights Committee had been ordered to launch the necessary investigation. The statement added:

"There have been reports in the media that Belguzar, who died under detention at the Istanbul Bakirkoy Osmaniye police station, lost his life due to torture, that the camera in Belguzar's cell wasn't working, that Belguzar wasn't given his medication, and that the officer on duty left the police station. On these reports, it was decided that the incident should be investigated and the Istanbul Provincial Human Rights Committee has been ordered to do so."

Police has stated that Belguzar committed suicide under detention by hanging himself. However, his family is claiming that he died as a result of torture. The prosecutor's office is awaiting a report from the Forensic Medical Institution to go ahead with the probe. The reason for Belguzar's death will become clear with the report.

The Istanbul Police Headquarters has also launched an investigation about the police officers who were on duty the night Gokhan Belguzar lost his life.

A group from the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD) who wanted to conduct investigation at the Osmaniye police station on January 25, was prevented by security forces. (KO/BB/EA/YE)