POLICE VIOLENCE

The violation of rights increased after the legislation had widened the police's authority to use firearms. This time a police officer was killed by a bullet shot by one of his colleagues. While the media perceived the news in the manner of "a policeman became a martyr", it was not mentioned that the Children's Police used the weapon against a child.

Human Rights Foundation (İHD) Istanbul Branch chairwomen Gülseren Yoleri criticised the Children's Police for carrying weapons. She argued that this is a violation of the principles of the children's justice system and international standards.

As reported by Hürriyet newspaper, a police team patrolled in the evening of 1 November and arrested a 16-year old child and his friend for suspected drug dealing. Since both of them were under age, the adolescents were brought to the Children's Police. After a health check in hospital, the 2 juveniles jumped out of the car when they stopped for a red light.

After the adolescents were caught a struggle evolved. Police officer Halil Taşçı was killed during the struggle by a bullet of another policeman, whose name has not been disclosed. Istanbul Chief of Police Hüseyin Çapkın said, "We do not know who shot during the quarrel. The investtigation still continues".

The Law on Police Duty and Authority (PVSK) was amended in June 2007, extending the police's authority for using weapons. According to a report from the Turkey Human Rights Foundation issued in June this year, since the amendment was effected 53 people died because of the use of firearms or because of security problems in detention centres. 13 people died in detention.

A total of 40 people died and 53 people were injured because of the police's use of firearms in the context of not obeying stop warnings, interventions against demonstrators and raids on homes. (ÖG/EÜ/VK)