DİYARBAKIR - IHD Vice Chairperson Rehşan Bataray, pointing out that there has been an increase in torture cases since 2016, said that those who torture people do not concern themselves with hiding their identity due to the armour of impunity.
The torture against M.C.E who is being accused of killing a police officer in Diyarbakır once againt brought violence and ill- treatment to the agenda. Humans' Rights Association (IHD) Vice Chairperson Rehşan Bataray, evaluating the recently increased torture cases, drew attention to the fact that these cases have been more common in detention centers and prisons.
Stating that there have been violent cases of torture during that time, Bataray said: "While the footage of torture in Urfa Security Directorate are still vivid in our memory, the footage and voice recordings of the torture in Diyarbakır Security Directorate was shared in social media. Torture is one of the most common violation of rights in Turkey since 80's and 90's. But we are going through a bit different process right now. They used to hide the torture, cover them up. Now they are exposing the torture themselves and they seem to be happy with these footages being released. The most striking point is that the torturers do not have any concern about hiding their identities."
ARMOUR OF IMPUNITY
Bataray said: "Ofcourse this increase in the cases of torture and the way they are brought to the agenda has everything to do with the policy of impunity. This increase in the cases of torture deeply worries us right defenders. But the reason these footage being exposed by the torturers and what they are aiming by that worries us more. The crime of torture- which is a crime against humanity- must be investigated meticulously yes, but those who praise this crime should also be investigated and punished."
WE ARE STRICTLY ADHERING THE CASE
Stating that they have been following the developments closely since the images of M.C.E being tortured have been released in social media, Bataray said: "IHD and other rights organizations have made all necessary attempts to effectively investigate the incident and prevent it from happening again. İHD has been the most active and effective organization in the struggle against torture since its inception. In order to prevent torture and punish criminals, studies are carried out in the field of law and in all areas, legal assistance is provided to victims and reporting is carried out. Our struggles and efforts in this field will continue."