Background
Onur Yaser Can was a 28-year-old architect and METU graduate. His detention on drug-possession allegations in summer 2010 and his death a few weeks later became one of the emblematic cases in Turkish debates over ill-treatment in custody and pressure after release.
For many years the case produced no criminal accountability, while his family's search for justice continued.
What happened
Can was detained by narcotics police in Harbiye, Istanbul, on 2 June 2010. After giving a statement on the duty prosecutor's instructions he was released. According to accounts, a few days later he was summoned back to the station because the paperwork was said to be incomplete, and he later said he was ill-treated there and strip-searched.
On 23 June 2010 he took his own life at his home in Istanbul. A note found on him described what he had experienced in custody and said his dignity had been violated. The note became central to his family's complaints.
According to accounts, his statement was taken without a lawyer present and the medical report legally required on entry into custody was not obtained.
Investigation and trial
Two police officers were prosecuted for forgery of official documents. During the trial the strip search was acknowledged, but in 2011 prosecutors issued a non-prosecution decision on torture and ill-treatment allegations. The file returned to the agenda years later after the family's objections.
In 2022 four police officers and an expert witness were charged on the grounds that the statement record was drawn up after his release; the family and lawyers said the indictment did not cover torture. In September 2024 it was reported that the non-prosecution decision was lifted, opening the way for trial on charges including torture, sexual assault and driving someone to suicide. These are allegations and none has been established by a final verdict.
Critics found it problematic that for a long time the case was handled only as one of document forgery.
Where it stands today
No final conviction exists. His family continued to press for those responsible to be tried. Reports also noted that his mother took her own life in 2014.
Dark Location archives this case to remind readers of the right to dignity in detention. Anyone struggling can contact national support lines.