Turkish court upholds torture verdict

Turkish court upholds torture verdict

Turkey has come under fire from human rights groups both abroad and at home

Turkey's highest appeals court has upheld prison sentences against 10 policemen found guilty of torture, in what has been seen as a test case for human rights.

The court in Ankara rejected the men's appeal against sentences ranging from five to 10 years for beating, torturing, and sexually abusing 15 teenagers eight years ago.

The youths were arrested while hanging political posters in western Turkey.

From this moment on, those who may intend to torture somebody should think twice

Cemil Cicek
justice minister

The policemen were initially acquitted on two occasions, sparking outrage among human rights groups at home and abroad.

They were later convicted, then re-acquitted on appeal, then convicted again last year.

Turkey passed legislation earlier this year making it easier to prosecute suspected torturers.

The move came as part of Turkey's efforts to crack down on human rights violations as it works to join the EU.

'Relief'

The policemen could still technically appeal against their conviction, but correspondents say this is highly unlikely at this stage.

Pelin Erda, a lawyer for the victims, told AFP news agency: "We are so relieved. Turkey has cleansed this stain from its record."

"This is a very appropriate decision," said Justice Minister Cemil Cicek.

"From this moment on, those who may intend to torture somebody should think twice," he added.

The teenagers were held in jail for five years after confessing to membership of a left-wing revolutionary group.

But the confessions were later found to have been forced out of them.

The police were found to have sexually assaulted the group, given them electric shocks, stripped them and sprayed them with pressurised water.

While the Turkish Government has passed laws aimed at ending the practice of torture, human rights groups say it is still widespread.