Prosecutor who dropped a custody torture death became Turkey's deputy justice minister
Teacher Gökhan Açıkkollu died on 5 August 2016 after 13 days in police custody. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office issued non-prosecution decisions in December 2016 and May 2020, finding no evidence that an external factor caused the death, although a forensic expert's additional autopsy report concluded he died of a heart attack caused by the torture he endured in detention, according to the Stockholm Center for Freedom. On 30 July 2025 the Constitutional Court ruled that authorities violated the right to life and the prohibition of torture; his wife was notified in May 2026, nine months later. Turkish Minute notes that Can Tuncay, who handled the case as prosecutor, became deputy justice minister in February 2026.
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
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- turkishminute.com
Istanbul prosecutors issued two non-prosecution decisions
Istanbul prosecutors issued two non-prosecution decisions; Constitutional Court ruled July 30, 2025 authorities violated right to life and prohibition on torture
no evidence or finding indicating the existence of an external factor ... without hearing the witnesses ... 13 days of camera recordings
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