Investigative Interviewing in Türkiye: A Human Rights-Based Assessment in Light of the Méndez Principles

Abstract

Investigative interviewing represents a crucial intersection between law enforcement efficiency and the protection of human rights. This article examines Türkiye’s investigative interviewing and interrogation practices through the lens of the Principles on Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering, known as the Méndez Principles. Drawing on the Turkish Criminal Procedure Code, European Court of Human Rights case law, and international empirical models such as PEACE, the paper conducts a multidisciplinary assessment combining legal-normative analysis with psychological and ethical perspectives. Findings reveal that although Türkiye’s inquisitorial legal structure and procedural safeguards, such as the right to counsel and prohibitions on coercion, formally align with international standards, practical implementation still exhibits confession-oriented tendencies and limited adoption of evidence-based, rapport-based interviewing. The article concludes by suggesting reforms in police and prosecutor training, the institutionalisation of Méndez-consistent methodologies, and enhanced monitoring of interrogation practices.