Turkish government says 67 people killed in police custody since 1995
Sunday 16th December 2001
Turkey's interior minister has revealed a total of 67 people were killed
in police custody in the past 6 years.
Turkey, vying for European Union membership, has carried out a series of
reforms to improve democracy and human rights.
Human rights groups say although Turkey has taken positive steps,
torture is still on the rise and culprits are rarely brought to justice.
Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen said 112 security officials have
been prosecuted in connection with the 67 deaths. Nine were convicted,
31 were acquitted, 62 are on trial, 6 had charges against them dropped,
and 4 were given suspended sentences.
"We are working to reduce human rights abuses to a minimum but despite
this, isolated incidents occur and investigations against those
responsible are carried out," the minister said.