Diagnosis of torture after 32 years: Assessment of three alleged torture victims during the 1980 military coup in Turkey

Abstract

Torture is a crime against humanity and it is frequently encountered in countries that have a history of military intervention such as Turkey. Torture still exists despite absolute prohibition by human rights and humanitarian law. More than 1 million people were tortured in Turkey since 1980 coup d'etat. Documentation of medical evidence is a prominent step for prevention of torture. Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Protocol) provides international standards for medical documentation of torture. A holistic approach to trauma stories together with physical and psychological findings has been the main frame of the Protocol. The aim of this study is to discuss physicians' responsibility for prevention of torture, and to emphasize the importance of holistic approach to the assessment of particularly chronic patients.