ECHR Finds Turkey Guilty For Abusing Right to Life

On Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights ruled its verdict against Turkey in the Lütfi Volkan Akıncı case, saying that his right to life was abused. However, the court did not rule for any non-peculiarly damages.

ECHR ruled that Turkey abused Akıncı's right to life according to European Declaration of Human Rights Article 2. "The military appeals court did not rule an independent and objective decision," the ECHR verdict said.

In November 2001, Akıncı started his compulsory military service.

In June 2002, Akıncı (22) was found shot during his compulsory military service. He died immediately which, the autopsy said, was caused by a bullet fire on his left temple.

Previously, Akıncı said he had issues adapting the compulsory service and was diagnosed with "social phobia" and "adaptation issues" by a military doctor. Later on, he was transferred to Military General Hospital where he received anti-anxiety treatment.

The official military investigation on Akıncı's case found military officials not guilty for misconduct and attempted murder, saying that Akıncı committed suicide.

Another civil-led investigation confirmed the first report and said: "Akıncı was in a confused state of mind. He shot himself with a pistol that was officially appointed to him by the military."

In April 2003, Akıncı's family took the case to Military Appeals Court, saying that military officials did not sufficiently investigate for misconduct. The appeals court ruled that "no misconduct was committed by military officials".

In 2004, Akıncı's family took the case to the European Court of Human Rights, where the Turkish government defended the military appeals court saying that Akıncı committee suicide due to psychological reasons prior to the beginning of his compulsory military service. (AS)