AMNESTY International Malaysia has chided Putrajaya for deporting six members of a Turkish family, including minors, despite the risks of torture and other ill-treatment in Turkey.

Its executive director Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu said the family with four young girls now face a real risk over their well-being in Turkey.

“The decision to deport the family, including the couple’s four daughters who are minors at such short notice, is deplorable, especially in light of reports that they are being deported over accusations of the father Arif Komis’ membership of a faith-based group.

“The family is at risk of serious human rights violations or abuses back in their country,” she said in a statement.

According to Time International School where Arif was working as a chemistry teacher, his family was allegedly taken by police on August 28.

They said a message from one of the daughters was sent to friends and relatives indicating that they were being held by immigration and scheduled for deportation to Turkey today.

It was reported that Arif’s school has been accused of being affiliated with the faith-based Gülen movement, deemed a “terror” group by the Turkish government and accused of masterminding a failed 2016 coup attempt.

Shamini said the government has violated the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the transfer of anyone in any manner whatsoever to a place where they would be at real risk to their safety.

“The Malaysian authorities must never deport individuals where there is clear evidence of the human rights violations they may face at their destination.”

She also said the Turkish government must ensure the safety and security of the family, and that they are protected from torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

“The family should immediately be released, unless there is credible evidence of internationally recognisable criminal acts committed by Arif. Any proceedings brought against them should likewise comply with international standards on fair trials,” she said. 

The Turkish national had also previously been arbitrarily arrested and detained by the authorities, and then extradited to Turkey.

The authorities had also confirmed that they were wanted by the Turkish government for suspected involvement with the Gülen movement.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said Malaysia will continue to crack down on members of the Gülen movement during a visit to the republic last month.

Since the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, the Turkish government is reported to have pressured its allies around the world to take legal action against suspected supporters of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gülen, whom they accuse of masterminding the coup attempt.

Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have documented instances of arbitrary detention, unfair trial and torture of detainees suspected of belonging to the Gülen movement. – August 30, 2019.