UN Urges ‘Swift and Thorough Investigation’ on Police Violence in Turkey

The UN expressed concern today over mass arrests in response to protests against the detention of a popular mayor of Istanbul, urging authorities to investigate claims of unlawful police violence against demonstrators. “We are deeply concerned about the arrest of at least 92 people by Turkish authorities last week, including Ekrem Imamoglu, the democratically elected mayor of Istanbul,” stated Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Following Imamoglu’s arrest, daily protests erupted in Istanbul and other cities, leading to clashes with police. More than 1,400 people have been detained in connection with these protests, according to Interior Minister Ali Gerelikaga. The spokesperson highlighted that protests nationwide were banned in three cities and noted that “at least nine media workers” were among those arrested. “All those arrested for lawfully exercising their rights must be released immediately and unconditionally,” she added. Those facing charges should receive “a fair trial process and fair trial, including access to a lawyer of their choice,” emphasized the UN official. The High Commissioner called for allegations of unlawful use of force by police against protesters to be “investigated swiftly and thoroughly.