Torture is a crime against humanity and it is frequently encountered in countries that have a history of
military intervention such as Turkey. Torture still exists despite absolute prohibition by human rights
and humanitarian law. More than 1 million people were tortured in Turkey since 1980 coup d’e´tat.
Documentation of medical evidence is a prominent step for prevention of torture. Manual on the Effective
Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment (Istanbul Protocol) provides international standards for medical documentation of torture.
A holistic approach to trauma stories together with physical and psychological findings has been the
main frame of the Protocol. The aim of this study is to discuss physicians’ responsibility for prevention of
torture, and to emphasize the importance of holistic approach to the assessment of particularly chronic
patients.
A team of two forensic medicine experts and a psychiatrist examined three male patients, who
allegedly had been tortured severely during the 1980 military coup. The team arranged necessary
referrals and diagnostic examinations. After conducting a comprehensive medical examination, some
physical and psychological findings of trauma were observed and documented even after 32 years.
The medico-legal evaluation and documentation of these cases many years after torture under the
guidance of Istanbul Protocol were presented and significance of psychological assessment was
especially emphasized. Furthermore, possible evidence of torture after a long period and physicians’
responsibility for prevention of torture is discussed