1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
India electionsIranIsrael-Hamas war

Turkey: Soldiers break their silence

April 29, 2013

Violent conduct within the Turkish military was long considered a taboo subject. But now the military leadership is facing serious accusations.

https://p.dw.com/p/18PEI
Turkish soldiers search for possible roadside mines while patroling in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak, bordering Iraq, Nov. 6, 2007. The Turkish army search for roadside mines from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. everyday in case the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) set mines along the border area between Turkey and Iraq. Xinhua /Landov +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

More than 900 Turkish soldiers have committed suicide over the past 10 years. Citing eyewitness accounts, a soldiers' rights group says one reason for the high rate is abuse within the ranks. Soldiers had to appear hardened; they were, after all, doing battle against the Kurdish PKK. The organization says over 1,000 soldiers have reported beatings and humiliation. Now a growing number of families of suicide victims are taking the issue to court.

A Turkish soldier searchs for possible roadside mines while patroling in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak, bordering Iraq, Nov. 6, 2007. The Turkish army search for roadside mines from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. everyday in case the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) set mines along the border area between Turkey and Iraq. Xinhua /Landov +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa