It's a scenario none of us ever want to imagine, but knowing what to do if you find yourself arrested or imprisoned in Turkey can be incredibly reassuring. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides guidance on this very topic, and while it's a serious matter, understanding the process can demystify it.
First off, if you're taken into custody, you'll likely be brought to a local police station. Here, you'll make a statement, and the police will conduct an interview. This is all recorded, and importantly, you and your lawyer can access it later. Typically, you'll stay in a police cell for a day or two before appearing in court. It's during this court appearance that a judge will decide whether to prosecute you.
The police have a duty to inform you, in English if necessary (with an interpreter if needed), about why you've been arrested, that proceedings have started, and what your rights are. This is crucial information, and it's good to know that your lawyer can visit you at the police station, though friends and family usually can't at this initial stage.
Your rights are protected, even in this situation. You have the right to a lawyer – you can see them before any interviews and during them. You also have the right to an interpreter, which is provided free of charge, though it might take a few hours to arrange. You don't have to make a statement if you don't want to, and you can ask for evidence to be collected that supports your innocence. A phone call to contact someone about your situation is also a right.
Regarding how long you can be held, adults are generally kept in police cells for up to 24 hours. This can be extended by up to 12 hours to allow for transport to the nearest court. For more serious crimes, this period can extend to 48 hours, and for mass crimes or terrorism, it can be up to four days, with potential extensions in very complex terrorism cases.
Your personal belongings, including your passport and phone, will be held by the police, but you'll receive a receipt. If you're released by the judge, these items should be returned to you, unless they're being kept as evidence for ongoing investigations.
If you need legal assistance, finding a local Turkish lawyer is a key step. It's wise to discuss all costs upfront. If you can't afford a lawyer, the court must appoint one for you, though they may only represent you at your first hearing and might not speak English. Similarly, if you need a translator for documents or to communicate with your lawyer, you can find English-speaking professionals. The court will provide an interpreter for court proceedings themselves.
For those needing support, the British Embassy and Consulates in Turkey can offer help, though they can't get you out of prison or grant special treatment. They can provide contact details for services and guidance on what assistance they can offer. The listed consulates in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Bodrum are there to assist British nationals.