State issues apology for death of prisoner in custody

Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin apologized yesterday to the family of Engin Ceber, an activist who allegedly died due to injuries sustained in a beating by police and prison guards. Sahin told reporters that an investigation of claims that Ceber was tortured and killed in prison had been completed, and that 19 officials, including two guards at Metris Prison, where Ceber died, plus one senior officer and a doctor who filed a report on Ceber's condition without seeing him, have been suspended. "In the name of my state and government, I apologize to his loved ones," said Sahin. "We'll spare no effort in finding those responsible. Of that there should be no doubt."