MP Mustafa Yeneroğlu Demands Accountability Over Suicide and Abuse Claims at Çatalca Removal Center

Independent Istanbul MP Mustafa Yeneroğlu has brought to the Turkish Parliament allegations of suicide, abuse, and degrading conditions at the Çatalca Removal Center, urging Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to answer pressing questions and hold those responsible accountable.

The case, first reported by Karar, involves claims that an Afghan woman took her own life by hanging herself with a bedsheet after enduring mistreatment, pressure, and poor living conditions. Lawyers allege that staff responded too late, leading to her death, and that witnesses were forced to sign statements attributing the incident to “psychological problems.” It is also claimed that two other detainees attempted suicide, after which entry and exit were restricted and phone calls limited.

Claims of Systematic Rights Violations

Yeneroğlu’s motion details allegations that migrants at Çatalca Removal Center face systematic abuse, are denied hospital access for serious illnesses, served expired food, and deprived of adequate nutrition, hygiene, and basic needs. Those who refuse to sign deportation papers are allegedly subjected to pressure and violence.

Previous reports claim that female detainees protesting poor conditions were beaten and tortured by riot police. The Istanbul Governorship has confirmed one death but has not provided satisfactory answers regarding other allegations.

Yeneroğlu emphasized that the right to life and prohibition of torture are guaranteed under both the Constitution and international conventions, adding:

“The events at Çatalca Removal Center give the impression these obligations are being violated. The truth must be revealed and those responsible must be held accountable.”

Parliamentary Questions to the Interior Minister

Yeneroğlu demanded answers on:

• Whether the suicide occurred and the exact circumstances.

• Whether staff failed to respond adequately or in time.

• Claims that witnesses were coerced into signing false statements.

• The number of suicides and attempts in the past five years.

• Steps taken to investigate abuse and prevent recurrence.

• The number of disciplinary or judicial proceedings against staff.

• How medical care and humane living conditions are ensured in removal centers.

Yeneroğlu concluded by stressing the need to strengthen oversight, launch independent investigations, and prevent such violations from recurring:

“Removal centers cannot be places where law and human dignity are suspended.”