No, cannibalism is explicitly criminalized under Turkish Penal Code Article 90, which prohibits acts causing bodily harm or death, including consumption of human flesh. Violations may trigger charges of homicide, abuse of corpse, or public health violations, with penalties up to life imprisonment. Local prosecutors in Istanbul and Ankara have pursued cases under these provisions, particularly in cases involving necrophilia or extreme violence.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Turkey
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Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Article 90: Criminalizes acts causing serious bodily harm or death, encompassing cannibalistic behavior as a form of aggravated assault or homicide. Courts interpret consumption of human tissue as an extreme violation of bodily integrity, often merging charges with murder statutes.
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Public Health Law (No. 1593): Empowers the Ministry of Health to investigate and prosecute cases involving the handling or consumption of human remains, citing risks of disease transmission (e.g., prion disorders). Facilities or individuals facilitating such acts face administrative sanctions, including license revocations.
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Necrophilia Provisions (TCK Article 299): Addresses post-mortem violations, including dismemberment or consumption of corpses. Prosecutors in major cities leverage this statute to secure convictions, as seen in 2024 Ankara cases where defendants faced combined charges under Articles 90 and 299.