Legal Rights of Foreign Nationals in Police Custody in Istanbul

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Foreign nationals who are taken into police custody in Türkiye are protected by the same fundamental procedural safeguards as Turkish citizens under the Criminal Procedure Code and international human rights conventions.

From the moment of detention, every individual has the right to consult with a lawyer. This right applies before and during the taking of statements and is an essential component of the right to defense.

For foreign nationals who do not speak Turkish, the authorities are required to provide an interpreter to ensure that the person fully understands the allegations and the legal process. Statements obtained without adequate linguistic assistance may raise concerns regarding procedural fairness and the validity of the procedure.

Another important safeguard is the right to request that the relevant embassy or consulate be informed of the detention. Consular notification serves to ensure that diplomatic authorities are aware of the situation and may provide assistance in accordance with international agreements.

In Istanbul, police custody procedures are carried out at district police departments. On the Asian Side of the city, this includes districts such as Kadıköy, Ataşehir, Kartal, Maltepe and Ümraniye. The same legal standards and procedural guarantees apply uniformly across these districts.

Legal representation during police custody primarily aims to safeguard fundamental rights, including the right to remain silent, protection against unlawful pressure, and the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations.

Foreign nationals in police custody may consult an English-speaking lawyer in Istanbul Asian Side in order to ensure effective communication and a clear understanding of the legal process. The choice of legal counsel remains a personal decision and should be made freely by the individual concerned.

This article is intended solely for general legal information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case must be evaluated individually according to its specific facts and circumstances.