\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have documented many cases where counter-terrorism legislation and other criminal provisions have been used to harass, arrest, detain and convict civil society actors in T\u00fcrkiye, including Dr. Fincanc\u0131, on spurious grounds\u201d, the experts said in a statement.<\/p>\n
On 26 October, Ms. Fincanc\u0131, who helped develop UN reference standards on the investigation and documentation of torture cases, known as the Istanbul Protocol, was arrested at her home on unclear grounds.<\/p>\n
Her detainment is believed to be in retaliation for her publicly calling for investigations into the alleged use of chemical weapons and associated deaths involving the Turkish military.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Fincanc\u0131\u2019s arrest appears part of a deliberate pattern of applying counter-terrorism legislation to discredit human rights defenders and organizations and interrupt their vital human rights and medical work\u201d, they added.<\/p>\n
These types of attacks aim to shrink safe civic space, undermine the rule of law, and encroach upon fundamental freedoms and democratic values, according to the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteurs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuman rights defenders and medical practitioners\u2019 ability to speak truth to power must be protected<\/strong>\u201d, underscored the independent experts, stressing that exposing human rights violations is \u201cone of the cornerstones of democratic societies\u201d, and that exercising rights of freedom of expression and association, are \u201cprotected rights under international human rights law\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cDetention pending investigation beyond an initial period of interview is an exceptional measure and must be subject to judicial authorization as to its continuing lawfulness and proportionality\u201d, they reminded.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Special Rapporteurs urged the Turkish authorities to \u201cimmediately and unconditionally\u201d release Ms. Fincanc\u0131 as well as other civil society actors detained for politically motivated purposes.<\/p>\n They also advocated for access to fundamental safeguards and the protection of defenders mental and physical integrity \u2013 both in and outside of detention.<\/p>\n Since 1988, T\u00fcrkiye has been a party to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.<\/p>\n After ratifying, States parties are obliged take all measures to prevent torture and similar ill-treatment or punishment, and to investigate and prosecute related crimes.<\/p>\n Threats of arrest and imprisonment and judicial intimidation cause high levels of distress and anxiety, which could amount to psychological inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, in violation of international law.<\/p>\n And in 2003, T\u00fcrkiye ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary arrest or detention.<\/p>\n The UN experts have expressed their views on this case with the Government of T\u00fcrkiye and requested the authorities to immediately take interim measures to protect the mental and physical integrity of Dr. Fincanc\u0131 and to end the judicial harassment of those who defend the rights of others.<\/p>\n Special Rapporteurs are mandated to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not paid for their work.\u00a0<\/p>\n Click here for the names of the Special Rapporteurs who have signed the statement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nCall to T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fulfilling obligations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Call to take action<\/strong><\/h2>\n