LONDON (Reuters)–The human rights group Amnesty International accused the Turkish government on Thursday of systematically and regularly torturing its citizens–despite assurances it was cleaning up its act.
"Despite all declarations of intent issued by the Turkish government–we have not yet seen any signs of serious and effective measures to combat torture and the impunity that goes with it," Amnesty said in a statement.
Detainees in Turkey were routinely blindfolded during interrogations–and some throughout police detention–to prevent the identification of their torturers–Amnesty said.
Serious beatings–sexual abuse–death and rape threats–as well as sleep deprivation and electric shocks–were all common methods of torture committed against a wide variety of Turks–it added.
"Victims of torture include women and children and are not restricted to those suspected of crimes under anti-terrorism legislation–but also includes many people suspected of common crimes," Amnesty said.