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Turkey: Soldiers break their silence

April 29, 2013

Violent conduct within the Turkish military was long considered a taboo subject. But now the military leadership is facing serious accusations.

Turkish soldiers search for possible roadside mines while patroling in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak, bordering Iraq, Nov. 6, 2007. The Turkish army search for roadside mines from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. everyday in case the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) set mines along the border area between Turkey and Iraq. Xinhua /Landov +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

More than 900 Turkish soldiers have committed suicide over the past 10 years. Citing eyewitness accounts, a soldiers' rights group says one reason for the high rate is abuse within the ranks. Soldiers had to appear hardened; they were, after all, doing battle against the Kurdish PKK. The organization says over 1,000 soldiers have reported beatings and humiliation. Now a growing number of families of suicide victims are taking the issue to court.

Image: picture-alliance/dpa
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