Interior Minister Confesses on Police Brutality

Interior Minister İdris Naim Şahin attended on Thursday a protocol ceremony between interior and social security ministries in Ankara.

Addressing inquiries on police brutality in the latest protests including at METU, Şahin admitted that such unbalanced violence denigrated the state authority.

"Sometimes unbalanced police force resulting with deaths or serious injuries engender a deserved criticism amid the public. This unfortunately denigrates the image of Turkish police forces and state authority."

Şahin said the unbalanced police force not only undermined the trustworthy of police forces but also demotivated police officers around the country. "Thus, it encourages crime. It strengthens the likelihood that criminals feel more confident to confront police forces."

"Though," the minister continued, "police officers should not hesitate to exercise force when it is necessary. It is a part of their duty and they are representing the state. They should not undermine the state authority."

Şahin urged the police forces to be careful and exercise force in a balanced manner. (AS)