It was alleged that Ferhat Atılgan (26) who went to the courthouse to give his statement on 20 January in Yüksekova (Gever), in the province of Hakkari (Colemêrg), committed suicide by jumping from the 3rd floor of the courthouse after learning that he had been referred to the court with a request for arrest.

The Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) and the Human Rights Association (İHD) said that they have prepared a report as they are treating the man’s death as suspicious.

'Violation in the investigation'

The report said that the incident needs to be clarified, and said that some irregularities and violations of rights during the investigation and the questioning of Atılgan were recorded.

The two associations added that “it is an undeniable fact that detention in the region has turned from a precautionary measure to a measure of punishment and often exists as a first resort measure. This situation undermines citizens' trust in justice. Principles such as the right to a fair trial and personal security are vital principles in the formation of a just social system. In democratic states, personal security is accepted as the main reason for the existence of the democratic order. The main function of law is to create an order in which the individual feels safe. The judicial authorities have a very important role and function in ensuring this order. For this reason, the judicial authorities should approach from a security perspective rather than a libertarian perspective in terms of establishing trust in the law."