Torture in Turkey: Is electroshock safe enough to use?

[ozgurluk at xs4all.nl]

   1 April 1998

 Is electroshock safe enough to use?

  _________________________________________________________________

Ankara - Turkish Daily News

Air-Tazer, the new electroshock device which was imported into Turkey
by the Security Department to be used for allegedly defensive purposes
during street riots, has been put under scrutiny at the Gulhane
Military Medical Academy (GATA).

A sample of the Air-Tazer was given to the Health Ministry Ethics
Board by the Security Department to ascertain the device's safety as
well as its power levels, reported the Anatolia news agency. After
these observations, the Air-Tazer was sent to GATA by Health Minister
Halil Ibrahim Ozsoy for further tests.

The results of the study, to be done by a group of psychologists and
neurologists, will later be sent to the Health Ministry. The
permission to use -- or not to use -- the new electroshock device will
be granted by the ministry.

Unlike truncheons, the most common weapon used by the police in
Turkey, the Air-Tazer can immobilize a person in 20 seconds by means
of strong electroshock waves.

Officials from the Health Ministry stated that the Air-Tazer should be
observed carefully in order to its prevent improper use, which could
cause unforeseen and regrettable results. It was indicated by the same
officials that it might cause blindness upon contact with the eye, and
therefore proper measures should be taken before the police are
permitted to use it.
  
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Press Agency Ozgurluk
For justice, democracy and human rights in Turkey and Kurdistan!
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