Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed support for a notable legal proceeding in Türkiye, where 13 law enforcement officers stand accused of torture and death in custody. This trial offers a potential path to justice amidst ongoing concerns about law enforcement abuse. The indictment issued on February 20, 2025, charges members of the gendarmerie with acts that led to the death of Ahmet Güreşçi and severe injuries to Sabri Güreşçi, including a broken bone. The proceedings are scheduled to commence on September 9, 2025 (JURIST).
The case is regarded by HRW as one of Türkiye’s most severe instances of abuse by law enforcement in the wake of the Hatay earthquakes. The Güreşçi brothers, suspected of looting, were reportedly subjected to sustained physical violence and threats while in custody. Upon arrival at a gendarmerie station, they were taken to a storage room instead of a cell and allegedly tortured to elicit confessions. Autopsy results revealed that Ahmet’s death resulted from a brain hemorrhage believed to be caused by severe head trauma, contradicting the officers’ claims that the injuries were preexisting.
This trial unfolds against a backdrop where Türkiye faces international scrutiny regarding its adherence to prohibitions against torture as outlined by global agreements like the UN Convention against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights. These treaties obligate states to prevent and address torture and inhumane treatment (HRW).
International voices, such as Morris Tidball-Binz, the UN Special Rapporteur, have labeled death in custody as part of a broader, “silent global tragedy.” He emphasized the necessity for countries to uphold the fundamental rights of detainees. HRW views this trial as an unusual opportunity for accountability in a country where official misconduct often goes unpunished. Amnesty International recently echoed these sentiments, urging a thorough investigation into alleged torture during protests in June 2025.
As Türkiye grapples with these serious allegations, the trial’s outcome could have significant implications for human rights accountability within the nation. Both domestic and international eyes are focused on how the judiciary will handle these charges, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases are addressed moving forward.