Asked to Give a Statement (Ifade) at Istanbul Airport? Rights First

What is a statement (ifade)?

A statement (ifade) is your formal, recorded account of the events being looked into — your answers to the questions investigators put to you. It is taken down in writing (and sometimes recorded), read back, and signed. Once it is signed, it becomes part of the case file and is hard to undo or take back. That is why a statement is not a casual conversation to "clear things up" on the spot — it is a formal step with real weight, and it is far better to give it with a lawyer beside you, or not at all until you have one.

Who can take your statement — police or prosecutor?

In broad terms, a statement can be taken by the police during the early investigation, or by the public prosecutor (savcı) who directs that investigation, and later you may be heard by a judge. These are different stages, and the setting matters. Your core rights — silence, a lawyer, an interpreter — apply throughout, whoever is asking. You do not lose the right to a lawyer because it is "only" the police asking, or because someone says it will "be quicker" without one. If you are unsure who is questioning you or why, that is itself a reason to wait for a lawyer.

Do I have to give a statement?

No. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions or give a statement, and choosing silence is not an admission of anything — it cannot lawfully be treated as a sign of guilt. You can give your identity details and still decline to answer questions about the matter itself until your lawyer is present. Silence now does not close any door; a hurried statement can. If you take only one thing from this page: you may say, calmly, that you wish to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer first.

Can I have a lawyer before and during the statement?

Yes. You have the right to a lawyer, including before you give any statement and during the questioning. This is one of the most important protections you have, and it exists precisely for moments like this — when you are tired, far from home, under pressure, and being asked to commit an account to paper. A lawyer can make sure the questions are proper, that you understand what is being asked, that nothing is recorded inaccurately, and that nothing is signed under pressure. Ask for a lawyer clearly and early, and do not let anyone talk you out of it. Our police custody (gözaltı) page explains how this fits into the wider process.

What if I don't speak Turkish — can I get an interpreter?

Yes. If you do not understand Turkish well enough to follow the questions and your answers, you have the right to an interpreter (tercüman). A statement only protects you if it truly reflects what you meant to say — and that is impossible if it is taken in a language you do not fully command. Do not try to "get by" in broken Turkish or rely on a stranger to translate informally. Ask, clearly, for an interpreter, and wait for one. The same applies to anything put in front of you to read: you are entitled to understand it, in a language you speak, before you respond to it.

Why shouldn't I give a statement without a lawyer?

Because a statement is easy to give and very hard to take back. Under pressure, in a stressful airport setting, in a second language, it is easy to phrase something poorly, guess at a detail, agree with a question just to end the conversation, or leave out context that matters. None of that is in your interest, and a signed statement carries weight afterwards. A lawyer is not there to help you hide anything — they are there to make sure your account is accurate, voluntary, properly recorded, and given on your terms rather than under pressure. We never promise an outcome; we act to protect your rights, and one of the simplest ways to do that is to make sure you are not questioned alone.

What should I not sign?

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. That includes the statement itself, any waiver, any form, and any document in Turkish you cannot read. Before you sign:

• Ask for it to be read back to you, through an interpreter if needed.
• Make sure it actually reflects what you said — not a tidied-up or shifted version.
• If something is wrong or missing, say so before signing, and ask for it to be corrected.
• If you are not sure, wait for your lawyer before signing anything.

A signature is not a formality. It is you confirming the document is true and yours. If you have not understood it, you are not in a position to confirm that — so don't.

Can I be held while this happens?

Sometimes, yes. Depending on the matter, you may be questioned and, in some cases, taken into police custody (gözaltı) — a limited hold during an investigation — while the statement process and other steps take place. The law sets time limits on this. From there, the file goes to the public prosecutor, who decides the next step: you may be released, released under judicial control (adli kontrol), or brought before a judge. Being held is not a verdict; it is a procedural stage, and you keep your rights throughout it. Our arrested at the airport page sets out what tends to happen next.

Can my family or consulate be told?

In general terms, you have the right to have a relative or someone close to you notified that you are being held, and — if you are a foreign national — to have your consulate informed in appropriate cases. This matters in practice: it lets someone on the outside contact a lawyer for you, send help, and keep track of where you are. If you are alone at the airport, ask that someone be notified, and ask that a lawyer be contacted. Even a short message to a relative with your terminal and situation can set real help in motion.