Terror suspects to wear uniforms on public demand: Turkish deputy PM

ŞANLIURFA

The latest decision requiring terror convicts or suspects to wear a uniform in court appearances has been taken by public demand, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ has said.

Bozdağ spoke at the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) ordinary congress on Dec. 24 in the Siverek district of southeastern province Şanlıurfa.

The deputy prime minister said those “who have committed terror attacks have killed innocent civilians or have attempted a coup” would no longer be able to present themselves as “heroes” in court, referring to a suspect who had appeared in court wearing a t-shirt with the word “Hero” on it, causing public outcry.

The suspect was a part of the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which had tried to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the night of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt.

“Our nation’s sensitivity regarding the matter had been taken into account. As the ruling party, which believes in democracy, we have listened to the request of our nation and acted on it,” Bozdağ said.

“The decision will come into effect following a regulation that will be made within a month,” he said.

Bozdağ added that pregnant women were exempt from wearing a jumpsuit and a uniform suitable for women had yet to be determined.

According to a new emergency decree published in the Turkish Official Gazette on Dec. 24, those arrested for or convicted of crimes against the constitutional order will wear either a brown or gray uniform during their court appearances.