"There is nothing very positive or very negative in this circular. It is aimed at moderating the police. The monitoring and education which the circular talks about have been going on for years. The police have been trained since 1996. Circulars on their own do not solve a problem. In Tansu Ciller’s times, how many circulars were issued regarding torture, and there were no results. The problem can be solved with effective sanctions. Some people have to overcome their desire use guns.”

This is how Prof. Dr. Osman Dogru evaluated the recent circular of the Ministry of the Interior for bianet, adding that it “would not go beyond a social psychological relaxation”.

Nothing new has been said

“In the circular it says that ‘the police must consider the sensitive balance between human rights and freedoms and guaranteeing security’. The Penal Code foresees the protection of this balance anyway. If you organise an operation to arrest someone, then proportionate force must be used.”

“The death of Baran Tursun from a police bullet in Izmir looks like a sudden pursuit. In such cases, the police must use proportionate force. In addition, the aim of the pursuit must only be to catch someone.”

If a person who is being followed has passed a control point, shooting is not considered appropriate. There must be a trial and evidence must be collected very well.”

This evidence involves forensic medical as well as witness evidence. Investigations must be carried out by independent organisations without waiting for a complaint to be filed.

Independent investigations necessary 

“It is not enough for the police to investigate themselves. A full and effective investigation controlled by the prosecution’s legal authorities is necessary. The aim of the investigation must be to let the responsibilities of the officers using force emerge. Investigations must be made public, so that the public continues to trust the law.”

“A court may acquit or find guilty, but in order for the social conscience to be clear, effective investigations are essential.”

Lawyers criticise police powers

Meanwhile, at a Law Forum at Galatasaray University in Istanbul, organised by the university’s law faculty and the Penal Code Association, lawyers criticised the powers given to police in the Law on Police Duties and Authorities, which was amended in June. (NZ/PY/AG)