Is it Becoming Easier to Say “I’m Sorry”?
As reported by the Associated Press, Turkish officials made a rare move in apologizing for the brutal murder of an inmate in a Turkish prison. Engin Ceber, a protester for human rights, was taken into custody, while being beaten, and was beaten while in prison. Over a period of time, his body was not able to sustain the injuries, and he died at a hospital in Istanbul from a brain hemorrhage. Turkish officials suspended 19 staff that were involved in the killing, and are still investigating. Ceber was 29 years old and was protesting the inaction against police officers who had paralyzed a young man last year for distributing left-wing leaflets.
Countries, many in the Middle East, rarely apologize for human rights violations. This apology by Turkey is the start of a new corner being turned, of Turkey reinventing itself in the 21st century. Leaving traditions behind, Turkey’s apology is a great stepping stone for the government to begin taking action against human rights violations. Although many protesters assert that many officers and law officials still go unpunished for their human rights violations, this apology is a step in the right direction.
Olorunbunmi Hambolu
