Nineteen Turkish officials convicted over activist's torture and death

[Ian David]

Turkish officials convicted over activist's death
2 June 2010

Amnesty International has welcomed the conviction of 19 Turkish officials found guilty of causing the death of a political activist in a landmark torture case.

The 19 officials, including police officers and prison guards, were sentenced on Tuesday for their part in the torture that led to the death of Engin Ã'eber in October 2008.

Engin Ã'eber, who was arrested after taking part in a protest against a police shooting of another activist, died after being beaten in police custody and in prison.

The verdict is the first time in Turkish legal history that state officials have been jailed for life for causing death through torture.

"This is an important step in the struggle against impunity in Turkey," said Halya Gowan, director of the Europe and Central Asia Programme at Amnesty International.

"However, it must be the rule, not the exception that state officials are brought to justice for torture and other ill-treatment."

The officials, who also included prison managers and a doctor, were convicted of offences ranging from causing death through torture to dereliction of duty. Three prison guards and a prison manager were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Engin Ã'eber's father, Ali Tekin, told Amnesty international: "Although we are not completely satisfied with the judgment and nothing can bring Engin back, this is a first in Turkey. Maybe it will be important for the future. Let there be no more deaths like Engin's, let there be no more torture."

More:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGNAU2010060216989&lang=e