Prosecutor dismisses investigation into prisoner Garibe Gezer’s claims of systematic torture

Human Rights Association co-chair Eren Keskin said at a press conference that an investigation into prisoner Garibe Gezer’s claims of systematic torture and sexual assault has been dismissed.

Kandıra Prison administration told Gezer’s family on 9 December that the prisoner had killed herself. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of Gezer remain suspicious.  

Garibe Gezer first spoke to the IHD when she was held in Kayseri Bünyan Prison. She reached out to Keskin who said that when IHD members visited the prison to meet her, they learned that she had been transferred to the Kandıra Prison.

“We learned that she was subjected to torture and sexual assault. Then we filed a criminal complaint,” said Keskin.

The prosecutor, however, dismissed the investigation despite the evidence in the file.

Keskin said: “Garibe’s conversation with his brother in Kurdish was translated. She told about what she went through. However, her words were not taken into account. It’s not written that Garibe was dragged to the ground, which was shown in camera footage that was concealed from us.”

Keskin said they will file an appeal against the prosecutor’s decision.