President Sezer Ratifies New Code Of Criminal Procedure

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer ratified the new code of criminal procedure on Thursday.
     The new code of criminal procedure spells out court procedures and the duties of judges and lawyers. It also deals with such issues as police searches and the tapping of telephones.
     It stipulates that a suspect cannot be detained for more than 24 hours except for serious crimes, where prosecutors can order detention of up to three days. Suspects would have the right for a lawyer to be present during an interrogation.
     Witnesses would have the right to remain anonymous if revealing their identity put their life at risk.
     Under the law, a new judicial police would be established to handle interrogation of suspects.
     The code will take effect as of April 1st, 2005.
     (UK-MS)
2004-12-16