Istanbul, Turkey

• Stay calm. It is not a good idea to run. Speak carefully and clearly. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.
• Do not try to hide from the police. This will only increase their concerns about you and they can find you anyway.
• It is not a good idea to touch the officers. Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• It is not a good idea to resist, even if you're innocent or if you think the police are acting unfairly or unlawfully.
• If you are stopped by a neighborhood guard, do not resist, they will co-ordinate with the police immediately.

a. Can the police or the neighborhood guards arrest you for refusing to answer questions?

ANSWER:

No. The Constitution of Turkey protects your right to personal liberty and security. However, the police or the neighborhood guards may arrest you:

1. if a court ordered your arrest or detention, or
2. when they have strong evidence you committed an offense, but only to prevent your escape, to protect evidence, or when allowed by law.

If your right to personal liberty and security is restricted for any reason, you may seek your immediate release if the restriction is not lawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 19, available here.

Source: Law No. 2529 on Duties and Powers of the Police, Article 4/A, available here (in Turkish)

Source: Enforcement Law No. 7245 on Marketplace and Neighborhood Guards, Article 7, available here (in Turkish)

Merely refusing to answer questions does not permit the police to arrest you, except that you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked. You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

• You have the right to say no to searches on your body.
• You have the right to say no to searches of your car, house, or other surroundings.
• You cannot be arrested for refusing to consent to a search without a warrant.
• A warrant is a court order so you have no choice but to consent.
• Neighborhood guards are not authorized for any type of searches.

a. What if a police officer wants to search my phone?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey, you have the right to privacy and to not have your items seized without a court order, also called a search warrant.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

A police officer should have a search warrant to search your phone. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure Article 119, available here.

Source: Law No. 2529 on Duties and Powers of the Police, Article 9, available here (in Turkish)

Neighborhood guides are not authorized for such searches as per the Annulled Article 7/6 of the Enforcement Law No. 7245 on Marketplace and Neighborhood Guards, available here in its updated version (in Turkish)

b. What if a police officer asks me for my password to my phone?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey, you have a right to privacy and to not have your items seized without a court order, also called a search warrant. You are not required to give the police the password to your phone if they ask.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

A police officer should have a search warrant to search your phone. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 119, available here.

c. What if they tell me to give them my password or other access to my phone?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey, you have a right to privacy and to not have your items seized without a court order, also called a search warrant. You are not required to give the police the password to your phone if they ask.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

A police officer should have a search warrant to search your phone. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 119, available here.

d. Do I have to give them my device password if they demand it from me if I am not under arrest? What if they just ask for it?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey, you have a right to privacy and to not have your items seized without a court order, also called a search warrant. You are not required to give the police the password to your phone if they ask.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

If the police obtains evidence from your phone without a search warrant, court order, this shall be deemed unlawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 38/6, available here.

A police officer should have a search warrant to search your phone. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 119, available here.

If you feel it may be safer at the moment to provide your password or phone, you may do so. But remember you don’t have to.

e. What tools can the police use to search me? What technology? (Facial recognition, hidden cameras, fingerprint searches, etc.)

ANSWER:

There do not appear to be any laws limiting the police's use of facial recognition or other technological means in a criminal investigation, however, it may be illegal for the police officer to violate your privacy without a warrant.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 119, available here.

f. Can they search my backpack or other item I am carrying?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey, you have a right to privacy and to not have your items seized without a court order, also called a search warrant. You are not required to allow the police to search your backpack or other item if they do not have a warrant.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

A police officer should have a search warrant to search your backpack. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure Article 119, available here.

g. Can they take my picture or record me?

ANSWER:

There do not appear to be any laws limiting the police's use of recording or other technological means, in public, in a criminal investigation, however, it may be illegal for the police officer to violate your privacy without a warrant.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure Article 119, available here.

h. Can they ask me where I am going and why?

ANSWER:

The police may ask you where you are going, but you do not have to answer. Refusing to answer questions does not permit the police to arrest you, except that you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked. You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

• The police may arrest you because they suspect you of committing (or having committed) a violation of the law, or if they suspect that you currently have evidence of a crime.
• Sometimes police have a warrant for an arrest. You should be clear on what kind of warrant is being presented to you if that is the case.
• It is a good idea to review any paper from police/warrant carefully, to ensure you understand what exactly is covered.
• If arrested, you may be charged with a felony for a more serious crime (with potential jail time of one year or more), a misdemeanor for a less serious crime (with jail time of less than one year), or a violation.
• If the police arrest you, they also have the right to search you. Anything found during this search may be used as evidence against you.

a. What if I did not do anything illegal, must I speak with the police and answer questions?

ANSWER:

The police may ask you, but you do not have to answer. Refusing to answer questions should not permit the police to arrest you, except that you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked. You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

b. What if they tell me something they are investigating that is wrong? Must I correct them?

ANSWER:

Only if the information is about someone convicted of a crime or that has a court order for their arrest, also called an arrest warrant, or about evidence of a crime.

Source: Turkey's Criminal Code, Article 284, available here.

Otherwise, you do not have to answer. Refusing to answer questions should not permit the police to arrest you, except that you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked. You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

c. What if an officer just begins speaking to me but does not order me to do anything?

ANSWER:

The police may speak to you, but you do not have to answer. You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

d. What is the legal difference between talking to them if they do not tell me I am under arrest, versus after they inform me that I am under arrest?

ANSWER:

You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

a. What is the difference between the police deciding to search me or my belongings (phone, person, backpack) and me agreeing to the search?

ANSWER:

Under the Constitution of Turkey Article 20, you have a right to privacy and to not have your items searched or seized without a court order, also called a search warrant.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 20, available here.

If you do not consent (in other words, agree) a police officer should have a search warrant to search your belongings. The search warrant should be signed by a judge but can also be signed by a public prosecutor or police supervisor in an emergency. The search warrant should include the reason for the search, the person, place, or thing to be searched, and the search warrant's time limit.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure Article 119, available here.

If the police tell you they are searching you or your belongings without a warrant, it may violate your rights. If you consent, then the search itself does not violate your rights.

b. What if they tell me to give them information versus them asking and me providing answers voluntarily?

ANSWER:

Both are the same. Any information you tell the police may be used against you in a criminal investigation. Remember you have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

• No. Police officers can legally arrest you without a warrant in several circumstances:
  • When the crime is committed in front of the police officers;
  • When the officer believes you committed an offense and may escape; or
  • If your identity cannot be established immediately.

a. If I did not do anything, can they stop me?

ANSWER:

Yes. The police may stop anyone to check their identification. You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

Source: Law No. 2529 on Duties and Powers of the Police, Article 4/A, available here (in Turkish)

Source: Turkey Judicial and Prevention Searches Regulation, Article 27, available here (in Turkish)

Patiently listen to the officer. You may ask why the officer stopped you. You still do not have to answer any questions, except you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

b. Can I ask for the reason they stopped me?

ANSWER:

Yes. You may ask why the officer stopped you, though they may not tell you. You still do not have to answer any questions, except you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

c. Can I advocate for another young person stopped by police if we are stopped together?

ANSWER:

A more appropriate course of action would be to inform the young person of the following rights they have:

• the right to stay silent and not to answer any questions;
• the right to have a lawyer present before answering any questions; and
• the right to have a parent or guardian present.

Sources: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here; Article 31 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

d. If I think the stop is unjustified, what can I do?

ANSWER:

You may ask a police officer for his/her name and ID number, but they may not tell you. You should try to remember and write down as many identifying details as you can for a future complaint. Remember, you cannot fight a police officer's illegal act on the street.

Source: The complaint process may be started here.

e. Can I get the officer's identifying information for a future complaint?

ANSWER:

You may ask a police officer their name and ID number, but they may not tell you. You should try to remember and write down as many identifying details as you can for a future complaint.

Source: The complaint process may be started here.

• If the following happens, you are likely under arrest under the law:
  • an officer handcuffs you;
  • an officer forcibly holds you down;
  • an officer puts you into the back seat of a police car; or
  • an officer warns you about your rights.
• An officer only has to warn you of your rights before the police question you. This means an officer can arrest you before warning you of your rights.
• An arrest without rights warnings is still a valid arrest; it just may mean that evidence collected from it is not admissible in court later.

a. What if I do not know if I am under arrest?

ANSWER:

A police officer should tell you the legal reason you are being stopped or are under arrest. However, in practice, the police officer may not do so. You should stay calm and respectful and may ask a police officer if you are under arrest, but they may not tell you.

Under Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, it must be necessary to take you into custody (put you under arrest) for the criminal investigation and there must be evidence that creates a belief you committed a crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 91, available here.

The Constitution of Turkey protects your right to personal liberty and security. However, the police may arrest you:

1. if a court ordered your arrest or detention, or
2. when the police have strong evidence you committed an offense, but only to prevent your escape, to protect evidence, or when allowed by law.

If your right to personal liberty and security is restricted for any reason, you may seek your immediate release if the restriction is not lawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 19, available here.

b. What is the difference between detention and arrest?

ANSWER:

Detention is used to refer to the punishment that comes after an arrest when an individual is detained until they are legally convicted (and detention may continue) or they are freed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 102, available here.

Under Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, it must be necessary to take you into custody (put you under arrest) for the criminal investigation and there must be evidence that creates a belief you committed a crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 91, available here.

The Constitution of Turkey protects your right to personal liberty and security. However, the police may arrest you:

1. if a court ordered your arrest or detention, or
2. when the police have strong evidence you committed an offense, but only to prevent your escape, to protect evidence, or when allowed by law.

If your right to personal liberty and security is restricted for any reason, you may seek your immediate release if the restriction is not lawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 19, available here.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), the police should detain you in a juvenile unit and keep you separate from detained adults, unless a juvenile unit is not available.

Source: Article 16 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

c. If I am handcuffed, am I arrested?

ANSWER:

Likely yes. Under Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, you may be put into police custody, which may involve getting handcuffed, if you have been arrested without a warrant, for up to 24 hours while an investigation takes place, not counting the amount of time it takes for the police to transport you to a judge, police station, or similar location. It must be necessary to take you into custody (put you under arrest) for the criminal investigation and there must be evidence that creates a belief you committed a crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 91, available here.

The Constitution of Turkey protects your right to personal liberty and security. However, the police may arrest you:

1. if a court ordered your arrest or detention, or
2. when the police have strong evidence you committed an offense, but only to prevent your escape, to protect evidence, or when allowed by law.

If your right to personal liberty and security is restricted for any reason, you may seek your immediate release if the restriction is not lawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 19, available here.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), handcuffs and similar items cannot be used on you unless necessary to prevent you from escaping or to prevent harm to you or others.

Source: Article 18 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

d. If my liberty is restricted, am I under arrest?

ANSWER:

Likely yes. The Constitution of Turkey protects your right to personal liberty and security. However, the police may arrest you:

1. if a court ordered your arrest or detention, or
2. when the police have strong evidence you committed an offense, but only to prevent your escape, to protect evidence, or when allowed by law.

If your right to personal liberty and security is restricted for any reason, you may seek your immediate release if the restriction is not lawful.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 19, available here.

• You can use your right to remain silent or any of your other rights (e.g., the right to an attorney) by saying that you want to use that right.
• You are also able to waive your rights (that is, not use them) by, for example, saying “Yes, I understand my rights but I am ready to talk to you.” This is not a good idea without a lawyer present.
• Make sure you know what you're doing if you are giving up your rights.

a. How do things change if I am read my rights by the police?

ANSWER:

You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

b. Does it matter where I am when the police read me my rights? (street, station, police car, etc.)

ANSWER:

No. You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

• You are not required to make a statement, answer police questions, or participate in a police investigation, and you never have to go anywhere with the police unless they have arrested you.
• If police have arrested you and if you are under the age of 18, police are required to immediately notify your parent, caretaker, or legal guardian.

a. Am I required to make a statement?

ANSWER:

No. You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

b. Must the police notify my guardian?

ANSWER:

If you are arrested without a warrant, yes. The police must notify the relative of your choice.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 95, Article 147, available here.

If you are under the age of 18, the police must notify your parent, guardian, or person in charge of your care. Your next-of-kin, most often your parents, guardian, or person in charge of your care, maybe with you while you are with the police.

Source: Article 31 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

c. Must I confess?

ANSWER:

No. You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

d. What adults can I ask to be with me?

ANSWER:

You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), the police must notify your parent, guardian, or person in charge of your care. Your next-of-kin, most often your parents, guardian, or person in charge of your care, maybe with you while you are with the police.

Source: Article 31 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), then you may have a social worker with you during police questioning and investigation.

Source: Article 15 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

You may also have your parent, guardian, court-assigned social worker, agency caretaker, or other caretaker with you at your criminal hearing.

Source: Article 22 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

e. Who do the police have to contact if I am a legal minor?

ANSWER:

You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), the police must notify your parent, guardian, or person in charge of your care. Your next-of-kin, most often your parents, guardian, or person in charge of your care, maybe with you while you are with the police.

Source: Article 31 of Juvenile Protection Law, available here.

• You should always contact a lawyer before making any statements to anyone in a criminal case or investigation.
• This applies even if you are told that (i) police officers only want to question you and/or (ii) you are only a witness.
• While you do have to wait until you attend court to get a lawyer appointed if you cannot afford your own lawyer, you should still ask for a lawyer as soon as you are questioned or arrested by the police. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and not speak until your lawyer is present.

a. What if I am just a witness?

ANSWER:

A suspect or accused person has a right to a defense lawyer, but when you are just a witness you are not a suspect or accused person, so you do not have the same right. If the police later treat you as a suspect or accuse you of a crime, you have a right to a defense lawyer.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 149 and 150, available here.

b. What if I am a suspect or was arrested?

You may request a lawyer after your arrest and do not have to answer questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

Under Articles 149 and 150 of Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, you are entitled to advice from a lawyer at any stage of the investigation or criminal prosecution. This means that after your arrest, you may request a lawyer. If you cannot choose a lawyer, one will be chosen for you. If you are a child, a defense lawyer will be appointed for you without your request.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 149 and 150, available here.

• No. The police may lie to you during an investigation, including lying about the strength of the case they have against you and the particular evidence they have in their possession.
• Sometimes police will lie to try and get you to talk more.

a. Can the police lie to me?

ANSWER:

Police should not lie to you, but in practice, they may. You should request a lawyer and not answer any questions about the crime the police think you committed.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

b. Do I have to tell the police the truth?

ANSWER:

Only if the information is about someone convicted of a crime, someone that has a court order for their arrest, also called an arrest warrant, or about evidence of a crime. If you lie about or fail to tell the police that you have this information, you may be charged with a crime.

Source: Turkey's Criminal Code, Article 284, available here.

In practice, it is best to not speak with the police without a lawyer present and to not tell the police anything you do not have to tell them by law.

You should not lie to the police about your identity. The police may arrest you without a court order if they cannot identify you.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 90, available here.

Otherwise, you do not have to answer. Refusing to answer questions does not permit the police to arrest you, except that you must answer questions about your identity and provide identification when asked. You have the right to not answer questions about a charged crime.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 147, available here.

REMEDIES:

• Write down the officer's badge, name, and patrol car number / plate number of the car), if available.
• Try to find witnesses and record their names and phone numbers.
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
• If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.
• You do not need to complain on the scene or tell the police they are wrong or that you are going to file a complaint.
• You should consider speaking with a lawyer about the legal options you may have.

Under Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, you may have a right to motion for compensation if the police did not follow the proper procedures.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 141- 144, available here.

Under the Constitution of Turkey, citizens have the right to petition, and send requests or complaints, to the government.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 74, available here.

The Presidential Communication Center (also called CİMER) is a system that allows you to submit your request or complaint to the government through the Presidency Public Relations Department.

Source: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/; CİMER - T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Merkezi (cimer.gov.tr) (for complaints and obtaining information)

OR by telephone: (ALO 150)

OR by email: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr

For additional information and an extensive Q&A Guideline, visit 50sorudacimer.pdf (in Turkish).

Disclaimer: Please note this guide is a non-legal source. We do not promote the publisher of this source nor can we confirm that this source is routinely updated.

REMEDIES:

• Write down the officer's badge and patrol car number, if available.
• Try to find witnesses and record their names and phone numbers.
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
• If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.
• You do not need to complain on the scene or tell the police they are wrong or that you are going to file a complaint.
• You should consider speaking with a lawyer about the legal options you may have.

Under Articles 141-144 of Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, you may have a right to motion for compensation if the police did not follow the proper procedures.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 141- 144, available here.

Under the Constitution of Turkey, citizens have the right to petition, and send requests or complaints, to the government.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 74, available here.

The Presidential Communication Center (also called CİMER) is a system that allows you to submit your request or complaint to the government through the Presidency Public Relations Department.

Source: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/; CİMER - T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Merkezi (cimer.gov.tr) (for complaints and obtaining information)

OR by telephone: (ALO 150)

OR by email: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr

For additional information and an extensive Q&A Guideline, visit 50sorudacimer.pdf (in Turkish).

Disclaimer: Please note this guide is a non-legal source. We do not promote the publisher of this source nor can we confirm that this source is routinely updated.

REMEDIES:

Remember, you cannot fight discrimination or police misconduct on the street. You should always stay calm and be respectful. It is not a good idea to run. It is not a good idea to touch police officers. Keep your hands where the police can see them. Speak carefully and clearly if you choose to speak. It is not a good idea to resist or run from police officers, even if you are innocent or if you think the officers are acting unfairly or unlawfully.

As soon as possible afterward:

• Write down the officer's badge and patrol car number, if available.
• Try to find witnesses and record their names and phone numbers.
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
• If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.
• You do not need to complain on the scene or tell the police they are wrong or that you are going to file a complaint.
• You should consider speaking with a lawyer about the legal options you may have.

Under Articles 141-144 of Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, you may have a right to motion for compensation if the police did not follow the proper procedures.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 141- 144, available here.

Under the Constitution of Turkey, citizens have the right to petition, and send requests or complaints, to the government.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 74, available here.

The Presidential Communication Center (also called CİMER) is a system that allows you to submit your request or complaint to the government through the Presidency Public Relations Department.

Source: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/; CİMER - T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Merkezi (cimer.gov.tr) (for complaints and obtaining information)

OR by telephone: (ALO 150)

OR by email: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr

For additional information and an extensive Q&A Guideline, visit 50sorudacimer.pdf (in Turkish).

Disclaimer: Please note this guide is a non-legal source. We do not promote the publisher of this source nor can we confirm that this source is routinely updated.

REMEDIES:

• Write down the officer's badge and patrol car number, if available.
• Try to find witnesses and record their names and phone numbers.
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
• If you are injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.
• You do not need to complain on the scene or tell the police they are wrong or that you are going to file a complaint.
• You should consider speaking with a lawyer about the legal options you may have.

Under Articles 141-144 of Turkey's Criminal Procedure Code, you may have a right to motion for compensation if the police did not follow the proper procedures.

Source: Turkey's Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 141- 144, available here.

Under the Constitution of Turkey, citizens have the right to petition, and send requests or complaints, to the government.

Source: Constitution of Turkey, Article 74, available here.

The Presidential Communication Center (also called CİMER) is a system that allows you to submit your request or complaint to the government through the Presidency Public Relations Department.

Source: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/; CİMER - T.C. Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Merkezi (cimer.gov.tr) (for complaints and obtaining information)

OR by telephone: (ALO 150)

OR by email: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr

For additional information and an extensive Q&A Guideline, visit 50sorudacimer.pdf (in Turkish).