What Happens If a Foreign National Living or Staying in Türkiye Becomes a Victim of Crimes Against Liberty?

If a foreign national who is staying or living in Türkiye becomes a victim of crimes against liberty, such as unlawful detention, threats, blackmail, coercion, violation of the inviolability of residence, persistent stalking, or any other act restricting personal freedom, the Turkish legal system provides protection to that person without discrimination based on nationality.

Whether the foreign person is a tourist, student, employee, residence permit holder, person under temporary protection, or a person with irregular migration status does not eliminate their fundamental rights as a crime victim. Under the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish Penal Code, and international human rights conventions, every person has the right to protection of their personal liberty, security, and human dignity.

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1. A Foreign Victim Can Immediately Apply to the Competent Authorities

When a crime against liberty is committed against a foreign national in Türkiye, the first step should be to contact official authorities as soon as possible.

The foreign victim may apply to:

• Police stations,
• Gendarmerie units,
• The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor,
• The 112 Emergency Call Centre in urgent situations.

If the foreign person does not speak Turkish, the authorities are required to provide an interpreter. A foreign victim does not have to sign documents they do not understand or give a statement without interpretation assistance.

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2. Fear of Deportation Should Not Prevent Legal Action

Many foreign nationals living in Türkiye may fear that reporting a crime will result in deportation. However, a person cannot automatically be deported simply because they are a victim of a crime or because they apply to the police or prosecution authorities to seek justice.

On the contrary, public authorities have an obligation to take protective measures to ensure the victim’s safety, the proper functioning of the judicial process, and the protection of human rights.

This protection is especially important in cases involving:

• Forced confinement,
• Violence,
• Threats,
• Blackmail,
• Domestic pressure or abuse,
• Persistent stalking,
• Sexual assault or similar serious offences.

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3. Medical Reports and Preservation of Evidence Are Extremely Important

If a foreign person has been subjected to physical violence, coercion, or force, they should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Hospital records, medical reports, camera footage, telephone records, messages, social media conversations, and witness information may become important evidence during the investigation.

The collection of evidence without delay is especially important when there is a possibility that the foreign victim may leave the country or move to another location after the incident.

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4. The Right to Request a Free Lawyer

Foreign victims who do not have sufficient financial means may apply to the Legal Aid Offices of Turkish Bar Associations and request a free lawyer.

A legal aid lawyer may assist with:

• Filing a complaint before the prosecution authorities,
• Protecting the victim’s legal rights,
• Requesting protective measures,
• Following the court proceedings,
• Providing legal guidance regarding immigration and residence issues.

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5. Immigration Status Is Evaluated Separately

The fact that a foreign person has a residence permit, temporary protection status, or an issue related to immigration status does not prevent authorities from investigating the crime they have suffered.

Criminal investigations and immigration procedures are separate legal processes. Being a crime victim does not remove a person’s right to protection under human rights principles.

In certain circumstances, legal protection mechanisms may be applied to allow the victim to remain safely in Türkiye, ensure their protection, or allow the legal process to be completed.

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6. Right to Receive Consular and International Support

Foreign nationals present in Türkiye have the right to contact the embassy or consulate of their own country and request assistance.

Consulates may:

• Provide guidance regarding legal assistance,
• Help individuals access local lawyers,
• Monitor the protection of their citizens’ rights.

However, criminal investigations and judicial proceedings are conducted by Turkish judicial authorities.

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Conclusion

If a foreign national living or staying in Türkiye becomes a victim of a crime against liberty, they do not lose their rights because of their nationality. The Turkish legal system provides protection based on the unlawful act committed against the person, not on their citizenship.

The most important steps for a foreign victim are:

• Contacting the competent authorities immediately,
• Requesting an interpreter,
• Preserving evidence,
• Obtaining a medical report if necessary,
• Requesting free legal assistance from the Bar Association,
• Applying for necessary protective measures to ensure personal safety.

No foreign national should remain silent about an injustice they have suffered because of fear, language barriers, or concerns about deportation. Everyone living in Türkiye is protected by law regarding human dignity and personal freedom.