Turkey Convicted of Pepper Gas Use, Police Violence

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) reached a verdict on the case of Nergiz Izci, a peaceful March 8 demonstrator who was subjected to police beatings and pepper gas. Turkey was ordered to pay 20,000 euros to Izci.

ECHR found Turkey guilty of violating “torture ban” and “public gathering and demonstration rights”, ordering the Turkish state to pay 20,000 euros to Nergiz Izci. 

On 6 March 2006, Nergiz Izci, an accounting staff at a textile firm, took part in a demonstration in Beyazıt Square in Istanbul to celebrate Women’s Day.  

Following a press statement, police used tear gas and water-cannons against a massive group of protestors who were dispersing by themselves. 

Izci was among several women who were subjected to police violence. She reportedly fell on the ground due to several hits at her face, head and body. Police allegedly continued beating and kicking her on the ground as well. Izci was also subjected to several insults and accusations. 

Heavily beaten and lying half-conscious on the ground, Izci was sent to a hospital by onlookers. TV cameras recorded the entire scene including police violence on dozens of peaceful protestors. 

Condemnation penalty to police officers

In addition to that, nearby local business owners were also affected by police tear gas. According to an administrational investigation expert report, police made no warnings prior to its intervention. 

Following the incident, Izci alleged that she had been injured as a result of the excessive force used by the police officers and requested a medical examination. The doctors found bruising all over her body and concluded that her injuries would prevent her from working for a period of five days. 

Izci subsequently lodged an official complaint against the police officers whom she considered to be responsible for her ill- treatment.

Launched on 6 June 2005, an official investigation on the case resulted with a “condemnation penalty” against 6 police officers whose salaries were cut for the amount of a 3 day-wage. 

The six police officers were also sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 5 to 21 months for having used excessive force against the demonstrators. 

However, the criminal proceedings against them were discontinued in September 2011 due to the statute of limitations

ECHR: Demonstrations can delay daily life 

ECHR reached a verdict on the Izci vs. Turkey case this morning. ECHR ruled that police forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators - a violation that police are not allowed to perform even if demonstrations delayed daily life flow. 

ECHR found Turkey guilty of violating the convention articles 3 (torture ban) and 11 (public gathering and demonstration rights).

The verdict marked the fifth ECHR ruling on Turkey’s use of pepper gas during public demonstrations. (AS/BM)

* Photo credit: Ensar Özdemir / AA