01.04.2025 16:20
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç responded to the claims made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding mistreatment of those detained in Silivri. Tunç stated, "The allegations of torture and mistreatment are unfounded and are slanders devoid of conscience and reason."
CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel visited the imprisoned and suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on the first day of the holiday at the prison in Silivri. Speaking to the press upon his exit, Özel stated, "I swear, I will not forget the handcuffing of these young people, the mistreatment, leaving them hungry and thirsty, and the insults. There is no statute of limitations on torture and mistreatment. We will pursue these crimes. Nothing is lost in the state; I will find that trace and hold them accountable. I am willing to face death; I will not leave the curse of these victimized children unanswered." Özel's remarks were responded to by Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç.
MINISTER TUNÇ RESPONDS TO ALLEGATIONS
In a statement made on social media, Tunç firmly rejected the allegations, saying, "The claims that torture and mistreatment have occurred are unfounded, baseless slanders devoid of conscience and reason. Groundless allegations are part of a dark propaganda aimed at discrediting our state, our justice system, and our correctional institutions," he said.
Minister Tunç used the following expressions:
"Some media outlets and social media platforms have circulated intentional and completely unfounded allegations regarding the detainees and convicts in the Marmara Closed Penitentiary Institution. Detainees and convicts are entrusted to our state. Everyone in correctional institutions is treated in a manner that is dignified, in accordance with the principles of the Rule of Law, and based on international standards.
The allegations that family visits, health, hygiene, accommodation, and other basic rights have been obstructed for some individuals detained as part of the investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office do not reflect the truth. These rights are legally guaranteed and are implemented meticulously. An opposite situation is absolutely out of the question.
The claims that torture and mistreatment have occurred are unfounded, baseless slanders devoid of conscience and reason. Groundless allegations are part of a dark propaganda aimed at discrediting our state, our justice system, and our correctional institutions.
The Turkish Penal Execution System is open to national and international independent inspections, transparent, and has a structure that upholds human dignity at the highest level. As the Ministry of Justice, we will never compromise on the principle of the rule of law and will continue our work with an approach that prioritizes human dignity."