Is Turkey a coercive regime?

Question

Do the Turkish people obey the law due to the threat of sanctions, such as imprisonment, torture or execution?

Answer 1

I am an ex pat policeman living in Turkey.The Turkish police are at the moment trying to clean up their act so as to get more into line with Europe.Generally the crime rate is low but on the increase.I would certainly not describe a Turkish policeman as anything like a british bobby they rarely speak to the public and are considered very corrupt.Because I am ex police I get reasonable treatment but avoid contact.Prison sentences are lighter than UK and there is no minium for murder and they do not execute people here.The government are not coercive but the army has a say in the running of the country and this is the number one stumbling block to EU entry.Last years Noble prize winning author has served time for writing un Turkish content in his book .People generally are law abiding but that is more due to their nature than the police or military.It is by no means perfect but generally life for the average person if they dont break the law most of which are basically the same as the rest of Europe is much more easy going and pleasant than my life before in UK.

Answer 2

It sounds like you have never been here. The crime rate is very low, in fact the prison in the nearest town to me is being pulled down because its always empty, don't think that would happen in the uk or many other countries either. The police here are more like the good old British bobby of about 50 years ago. Although theres been a few take overs by military it was to get rid of corrupt governments, that again is unique, i have been told the country runs better run by the army as well, when the country was sorted they handed it back. That sounds like a good idea to me from what I hear about the uk government & corrupt police rising crime etc. Any body can walk the streets here safely without fear of being robbed or mugged & children are safe out too by themselves. I don't thing your question has any value at all, just compare it with the uk. About 34,000 Brits now live in Turkey, i don't think they would have moved here if what you asked was true. I think Turkish people obey the law because they have respect for each other & have a community spirit.

Answer 3

Sadly yes. While the Military hold its current position of influence in Turkish life, it cannot be rated as a viable nation to join the EEC. The treatment of minority groups such as the Kurds, while improved has a long way to go.

Ironically, in some ways, the UK with the introduction of more draconian laws [all in the name of anti-terrorism] and the huge growth in the prison population is sleep walking towards a similar society.

Answer 4

Yeah, but Gays are treated properly in Turkey.

Answer 5

as far as i know turkey has quite a high crime rate, especially as regards tourists...........
they are game lmao.... ;-) only kidding.

Answer 6

Dunno, but chicken can be O.K., if it's steamed.

Answer 7

WTF