AI Denounces Police Brutality Against Women

“Amnesty International is greatly concerned by the disproportionate use of force by police officers,” says the organization in a public statement in reaction to police brutality in Istanbul.

500 people who had gathered peacefully in the Sarachane and Beyazit quarters of Istanbul on 6 March to celebrate Women's Day early were dispersed violently by police who used truncheons and pepper gas. 63 people were detained and at least three people being reportedly hospitalized.

The police had reportedly intervened on the basis that the demonstration had not been authorized. Images of the ill-treatment received wide press coverage internationally because of the European Union Ministerial Troika that began in Ankara Monday.

Recalling the numerous changes to the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations in an attempt to address concerns regarding the policing of demonstrations, “However,” says AI “allegations of ill-treatment during demonstrations have very rarely resulted in prosecution of law enforcement officials, and sanctions have often been limited.”

Further the AI statement reminds that, “those complaining of ill-treatment are themselves frequently prosecuted for resistance to public officials or for violating Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations.”

Albeit welcoming “news that the government has opened an investigation into the incident” the Amnesty International calls on the authorities

* To publish the full findings of the investigation,

* To ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice

* To take further urgent steps to ensure that police officers conform to international standards on the right to freedom of assembly and on the use of force. (EK/YE)