Foreigner Is Asked to Give an Additional Police Statement in Turkey: Why Can They Be Called Again? (2026 Updated Guide)

A foreigner is called to the police station again after already giving a statement in Turkey. Learn why an additional statement may be requested, whether attendance is mandatory, interpreter and lawyer rights, and how contradictions should be handled.

A foreign national who has already given a police or prosecutor statement in Turkey may be surprised to receive another call asking them to provide an additional statement. Being called again does not automatically mean that the person will be arrested, detained or charged. Criminal investigations develop as new evidence is collected, and investigators may need additional information about documents, telephone records, bank transactions, witness statements, camera footage or allegations that emerged after the first interview.

However, a second statement should never be treated as a routine repetition of the first. The investigation may have changed substantially since the foreigner’s initial interview. Lawyer Fırat Fesih Kaya emphasizes that the person should first determine in what capacity they are being called, which investigation is involved and whether new evidence has entered the file before deciding how the additional statement should be approached.

Why Can a Foreigner Be Called to Give Another Statement?

There is no rule that a suspect can only be questioned once during an investigation. New developments can make additional questioning necessary.

For example, investigators may have received a new witness statement, obtained banking records, examined a mobile phone, received surveillance footage or discovered inconsistencies requiring clarification.

A New Statement Does Not Automatically Mean the Situation Has Become Worse

Being called again does not by itself establish that prosecutors have obtained stronger evidence.

Sometimes investigators simply need clarification about an earlier answer, a new document or an issue that was not discussed during the first interview.

The reason should nevertheless be identified before the person gives substantive answers.

First Determine Who Is Calling

A foreign national should determine whether the request comes from the police, gendarmerie, prosecutor’s office or another competent authority.

The person should also identify the investigation file where possible.

Informal telephone communication should not cause the foreigner to attend without understanding the nature of the request.

Ask Whether You Are a Suspect, Complainant or Witness

Procedural rights can differ depending on the person’s status.

A foreign national may originally have been interviewed as a witness but later become a suspect after additional evidence is obtained.

That change is extremely important.

Why Would Police Need a Second Suspect Statement?

One common reason is that evidence obtained after the original interview raises additional questions.

Suppose the suspect stated during the first interview that they had never communicated with another person. Investigators later obtain messages showing communication between them.

The additional interview may focus specifically on that contradiction.

New Witness Statements Can Trigger Additional Questioning

A witness may provide information that was not available during the first interview.

Police or prosecutors may then ask the suspect to respond to those allegations.

The suspect should understand exactly what allegation is being put to them before providing an explanation.

The Victim May Have Changed Their Statement

An additional interview can also follow a change in the complainant’s or victim’s account.

If new allegations have been added, the suspect may be questioned about them.

The foreign defendant should avoid guessing why the victim changed their account and instead respond to concrete factual allegations.

Digital Evidence Can Lead to a Second Interview

Telephone examinations frequently produce additional questions in modern criminal investigations.

Investigators may obtain WhatsApp messages, photographs, location information, call records or other digital material after the first statement.

The suspect may then be asked to explain that evidence.

Bank Transactions May Also Trigger Additional Questions

Fraud, money laundering, commercial and financial investigations often develop after bank records are obtained.

A foreign suspect may therefore be questioned again about:

bank transfers, cash withdrawals, IBAN transactions, cryptocurrency transfers, payments received from third parties or transfers between related companies.

The person should review the relevant records before attempting to explain complex transactions from memory.

Camera Footage Can Change the Investigation

Security-camera footage may contradict or confirm parts of an earlier statement.

If police obtain footage after the first interview, the foreign suspect may be called again to identify themselves, another person, a vehicle or an event appearing in the recording.

Another Suspect May Have Named the Foreigner

In investigations involving several suspects, one person’s statement can create new allegations against another.

A foreign national who gave an initial statement may therefore be recalled after a co-suspect makes allegations concerning them.

Such allegations should not automatically be accepted as true merely because they appear in another suspect’s statement.

Can Police Ask the Same Questions Again?

Questions may overlap with the first interview, particularly where investigators seek clarification.

However, repeated questioning should not be used improperly to pressure a suspect into changing an earlier account.

If the same issue is repeatedly raised, the suspect and lawyer should determine whether genuinely new evidence exists.

Should the Foreigner Read the First Statement Before the Second Interview?

Where legally and practically possible, reviewing the earlier statement can be extremely important.

A person may have given the first statement while stressed, tired or unfamiliar with Turkish criminal procedure.

The exact wording recorded in the earlier interview should therefore be considered carefully before a second statement is given.

Contradictions Between Statements Can Become Evidence

If the first statement says one thing and the additional statement says something materially different, investigators and eventually the court may ask why the account changed.

A contradiction does not automatically prove guilt.

People can make mistakes, misunderstand questions, remember additional facts later or be affected by poor interpretation.

Nevertheless, significant differences should be explained rather than ignored.

What If the First Statement Was Incorrectly Translated?

This issue is particularly important for foreign nationals.

If an interpreter translated the first interview incorrectly, the suspect should identify the specific error during the additional statement.

A general claim that “everything was translated incorrectly” may be less persuasive than identifying the exact question, answer and mistranslation.

Foreign Suspects Have a Right to Understand the Proceedings

A foreign suspect who does not sufficiently understand Turkish should not be expected to defend themselves through a language they cannot adequately understand.

Interpretation is particularly important where questions concern technical, financial or criminal allegations.

Do Not Pretend to Understand Turkish

Some foreigners understand basic conversational Turkish but cannot accurately understand legal terminology.

This distinction matters.

Understanding everyday conversation does not necessarily mean that a person can understand detailed accusations, procedural rights or complex questioning.

Can the Foreigner Request an Interpreter Again?

Yes, where interpretation is necessary for the person to understand and participate effectively in the criminal procedure, the need does not disappear merely because an interpreter was provided during an earlier interview.

The Interpreter Should Translate the Entire Relevant Exchange Accurately

The foreign suspect should pay attention to whether questions and answers are being translated completely.

If a translation appears inaccurate, the person should raise the issue immediately rather than signing the statement and complaining much later.

Can a Lawyer Attend the Additional Statement?

A suspect can receive legal assistance during the criminal investigation in accordance with Turkish criminal procedure.

A second interview can sometimes be more important than the first because investigators may now possess evidence that was unavailable earlier.

The Lawyer Should Determine What Has Changed

Before the additional statement, the defense should seek to understand why the person has been recalled.

The important question is not simply:

“Why did the police call again?”

The more useful question is:

“What happened in the investigation after the first statement?”

Can the Suspect Remain Silent?

A suspect’s right against self-incrimination remains important during additional questioning.

Being called for a second interview does not mean that the person has lost procedural rights exercised during the first interview.

The appropriate approach should be evaluated according to the allegations and circumstances.

The Suspect Should Not Invent an Answer

If the person genuinely does not remember a date, conversation or transaction, guessing can create unnecessary contradictions.

It may be more appropriate to explain that records need to be reviewed before providing a precise factual answer.

Do Not Change the First Statement Simply to Please Investigators

A foreign suspect may feel pressure to give the answer that they believe police expect.

That can be dangerous.

Statements should reflect the person’s actual knowledge and recollection, not an attempt to end questioning quickly.

What If Police Say, “Your Previous Statement Was Wrong”?

The suspect should ask what evidence allegedly contradicts the earlier account.

A statement from another person does not automatically establish that the first statement was false.

The evidentiary basis should be examined.

What If the Foreigner Is Confronted With WhatsApp Messages?

The complete context should be considered.

A single screenshot may not show earlier or later messages, the identity of the sender, whether the account belonged to the suspect or whether the material has been altered.

The suspect should avoid giving an immediate technical conclusion about digital evidence they have not properly reviewed.

Deleted Messages May Also Be Raised

Police may ask why certain messages were deleted.

Deletion alone does not necessarily establish criminal intent.

Phones routinely delete or lose information because of storage settings, application configurations, device changes or ordinary user activity.

The factual circumstances matter.

What If Police Ask About a Person the Foreigner Does Not Know?

The suspect should say so if that is true.

They should not speculate about identities or relationships simply because investigators mention a name.

Speculation can later be presented as a factual statement.

Can an Additional Statement Lead to Detention?

Potentially, depending on developments in the investigation.

Being invited for another statement does not itself establish that detention will occur, but the possibility should be assessed where serious allegations or new evidence have emerged.

Can the Prosecutor Question the Foreigner After the Police?

Yes. A person may give information at different stages of an investigation depending on the procedural circumstances.

A police interview does not necessarily prevent subsequent questioning by the prosecutor.

Could the Person Be Referred to Court?

Depending on the evidence and prosecutor’s assessment, procedural steps after questioning may include release or referral for further judicial consideration.

The result cannot be determined merely from the fact that an additional statement was requested.

What If the Foreigner Is Abroad?

A foreign national outside Turkey should not simply ignore official proceedings.

The procedural status, nature of the request and any existing judicial measures should first be investigated.

Whether attendance can be arranged through another lawful procedural mechanism depends on the circumstances.

Check Whether There Is an Arrest or Apprehension Decision

A person who has been called repeatedly but failed to appear should determine whether the procedural situation has changed.

This can be especially important before travelling through a Turkish airport or border crossing.

Can the Foreigner Submit Documents During the Additional Statement?

Relevant documents may potentially be presented through the appropriate procedural mechanism.

For example, banking records, contracts, travel documents, hotel records or correspondence may directly answer a new allegation.

Evidence should be organized rather than presented as an uncontrolled collection of documents.

Foreign Documents May Require Preparation

Documents obtained abroad may require translation or other formal steps depending on their nature and intended use.

The defense should identify important documents early.

Read the Entire Statement Before Signing

This is one of the most important practical rules.

The foreign national should verify that the written record accurately reflects what they actually said.

Particular attention should be paid to dates, names, amounts, admissions, denials and translated expressions.

Do Not Sign a Statement You Do Not Understand

A signature can later become highly important in the investigation.

If the foreigner cannot understand the Turkish record, they should ensure that its contents are accurately interpreted before signing.

Translation Objections Should Be Recorded

If the person believes a particular answer has been translated incorrectly, the objection should be raised before the interview record is finalized where possible.

The goal is to prevent an inaccurate statement from becoming part of the case file.

Can the Additional Statement Correct the First One?

Potentially, but corrections should be precise.

The foreigner should identify what was incorrect, why it was incorrect and what the accurate information is.

A carefully explained correction is different from repeatedly changing the entire story.

What If the First Statement Was Given Without a Lawyer?

The circumstances of the first interview should be reviewed separately, including whether the suspect was informed of their rights and whether any procedural irregularity affected the statement.

The second interview does not automatically cure every possible problem with the first.

Can an Unlawfully Obtained Statement Be Challenged?

Turkish criminal proceedings recognize important rules concerning lawful evidence and suspect rights.

If coercion, serious translation problems or another procedural violation affected an earlier statement, the defense can evaluate how that issue should be raised during the investigation or subsequent proceedings.

Additional Statements Can Sometimes Help the Defense

A second interview is not necessarily negative.

It can provide an opportunity to correct a translation error, explain new evidence, submit exculpatory documents or clarify an apparent contradiction.

The key is preparation.

Immediate Steps After Receiving a Second Police Call

A foreign national asked to provide an additional statement should determine which authority is calling, identify the investigation, establish whether they are a suspect or witness, investigate whether their procedural status has changed, review the earlier statement, identify new evidence where possible, arrange an interpreter if necessary, consider legal representation and prepare supporting documents before substantive questioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would Turkish police call a foreigner for a second statement?

New evidence, witness statements, digital records, banking information or inconsistencies may require additional questioning.

Does being called again mean the foreigner will be arrested?

No. A request for an additional statement does not automatically mean that detention or arrest will follow.

Can the police ask questions about new evidence?

Yes. Investigators may seek the suspect’s explanation concerning evidence obtained after the original interview.

Can the foreign suspect use an interpreter again?

Where interpretation is necessary for effective understanding and participation, language assistance remains an important procedural safeguard.

Can a lawyer attend the second interview?

A suspect may receive legal assistance during the investigation in accordance with Turkish criminal procedure.

What if the second statement contradicts the first?

The reason for the difference may become important. Translation problems, misunderstanding, new information or memory issues should be explained accurately where applicable.

Should the foreigner sign the Turkish statement immediately?

No. The person should first verify that the written record accurately reflects their answers and that they understand its contents.

Can the foreigner correct a mistranslated first statement?

The alleged mistranslation can be identified and explained, preferably by specifying exactly which part of the earlier record was inaccurate.

What if the foreigner is outside Turkey?

The request should not simply be ignored. The person’s procedural status and any outstanding judicial measures should first be determined.

What is the most important step before giving an additional statement?

Determine what has changed since the first interview. The defense should understand whether new witnesses, digital evidence, financial records or other allegations caused the person to be called again before responding substantively.

Client-Focused Criminal Defense for Foreign Nationals in Turkey

A second police interview can become a critical stage of a criminal investigation, particularly where new witness statements, WhatsApp records, telephone examinations, banking transactions, surveillance footage or allegations from another suspect have entered the file. Fırat Fesih Kaya Law Office assists foreign nationals involved in police, prosecutor and court proceedings in Turkey. Lawyer Fırat Fesih Kaya provides legal assistance concerning additional statements, interpreter problems, digital evidence, detention risk, investigation files and criminal defense strategy.

Phone:
+90 312 434 22 22

Mobile:
+90 532 769 22 22

Email:
info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr

Address:
Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yıldırım Tower, Office No:148, 06520 Balgat, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey