Istanbul police deny strip search claims by İBB executive Fatoş Pınar Türker

Fatoş Pınar Türker, the CEO of Medya A.Ş., a subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), has accused authorities of subjecting her to a strip search during her detention. Türker, who is on trial in an İBB-related case, made these allegations during her defense in court, detailing her experiences during the 15-month pre-trial detention and subsequent arrest process.

Speaking to female observers in the courtroom, Türker described being taken to a room at the Vatan Police Department and ordered to undress by an officer wearing gloves. She recounted being told to lower her underwear and then instructed to expose her genitals and bend over for inspection. "If anyone is ashamed, they can leave; I am not ashamed," Türker stated, adding that the act felt designed to break people's dignity and pride. "Let the perpetrator be ashamed, I am not ashamed."

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If anyone is ashamed, they can leave; I am not ashamed. It feels like it's done to break people's dignity and pride. Let the perpetrator be ashamed, I am not ashamed.

In addition to the alleged strip search, Türker also detailed a separate incident involving a prosecutor. She claims that during a video interrogation session, the prosecutor threatened her with losing custody of her children, who were not yet adults. The prosecutor allegedly said, "If you continue to call me a lawyer, you will never see your children again," and suggested that social services would take them if she did not cooperate. Türker also claims the prosecutor threatened to seize her property and assets.

The Istanbul Police Department has issued a statement refuting Türker's claims. The department asserted that all arrest, detention, search, and legal procedures within its jurisdiction are carried out in accordance with the Constitution, relevant legislation, human rights principles, and judicial oversight. The statement emphasized that maximum care is taken to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of detainees and that all actions are in compliance with legal regulations. The police department maintained that no unlawful practices occurred during Türker's detention and that her allegations are untrue.

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If you continue to call me a lawyer, you will never see your children again. You are single, aren't you? You don't have custody of them, do you? Your children were not adults, were they? Well, Social Services will take your children now.