European Court of Human Rights convicts Greece of torture

European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) convicts Greece in the case of Necati Zontul, who was tortured in detention, in Crete, in 2001. Court ordered Greece to pay 50.000 euros in respect of non-pecuniary damage and 3,500 euros in respect of costs and expenses.

According to Anatolian News Agency, Necati Zontul was in a boat travelling to Italy with 164 illegal immigrants when it was intercepted by the Greek Coast Guard and towed to Chania Harbour in Crete, and Necati Zontul was forced to remove his clothes and then raped with a truncheon. He said that a Russian roulette played with him, and he was sprayed chemical water. But his request for a forensic medical examination was denied. Consequently, he went on a hunger strike with 16 illegal immigrants. When the incident was heard, an investigation was opened and five members of Greek Coast Guard were brought up for trial. While three suspects were acquitted of the case, two other were levied on small fines. Necati Zontul returned Turkey in 2004 and then went to England. He filed a suit against Greece before the European Court of Human Rights, and got Greece convicted.