In its interim decision about Turkey’s performance in implementing the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Council of Europe (CE) concentrated on the accountability of the security forces in Turkey and the government’s policy of “zero tolerance to torture.”

In its meeting on September 23, the committee demanded from Turkey to guarantee that it will have its security forces face the courts not only in cases based on allegations of torture and bad treatment, but in all serious crimes, without requiring the permission of their superiors.

Stating the ambiguity in Turkish laws regarding this subject, the Committee demanded from Turkey to resolve this issue.

“Investigate effectively”

The committee demanded from Turkey to continue with its policy of “zero tolerance to torture” and assure that the allegations regarding the rights violations by the security forces will be investigated effectively as well.

The committee also asked Turkey to provide detailed statistics on the investigations launched, acquittals and sentences given in the rights violations by the security forces.

On the other hand, the committee closed the titles of  procedure measures under custody, professional training of the security forces, training of the judges and prosecutors and “compensating the damages resulting from terror and the fight against terror”.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives makes this evaluation for all the 46 countries that are members to the Council of Europe. (TK/TB)