Director of Justice Abroad, Michael Polak, Speaks to BBC on Reopened Investigation into British Tourist’s Death in Turkey

Michael Polak, Director of Justice Abroad, gave an exclusive interview to BBC News regarding the reopening of the investigation into the tragic death of 20-year-old British tourist Tyler Kerry at the Trendy Lara hotel in Antalya, Turkey on 29 November 2024.  

Mr Polak, who is representing Tyler Kerry’s family in their fight for justice, welcomed the decision by Turkish authorities to reinvestigate the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death. Initially found at the bottom of a hotel lift shaft in November 2024, the case raised serious concerns about the handling of the investigation, prompting calls for further scrutiny.

"It was little bit worrying that the scene was cleaned up so quickly because that impedes investigations," he told the BBC. "If it was in the United Kingdom, you'd hope that they'd set up a cordoned-off area, they'd bring different experts in to gather all the evidence before any of it's damaged."

Mr Polak said Mr Kerry's family had been contacted by another holidaymaker who stayed at the same hotel earlier in 2024, whose son was allegedly "beaten up" by security guards in the basement, very close to where Mr Kerry's body was found a few months later. "It does ring some alarm bells that something similar has happened at the same hotel in relation to the security and it's something that, at the very least, needs to be investigated," Mr Polak said.

A judge in Turkey has now instructed investigators to look into both Mr Kerry's death and the alleged assault on the other holidaymaker, Mr Polak told the BBC.

Justice Abroad has been working closely with Tyler’s family to push for a proper investigation. This has led the Investigating Judge to order the investigators to consider further lines of enquiry including in relation to the previous behaviour of security at the hotel and the issue around how Tyler came to be found at the bottom of the lift shaft. 

Justice Abroad continues to work with legal experts in Turkey to monitor the proceedings and advocate for Tyler’s family throughout the investigation.

The full BBC News report can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3913w0r2z0o

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Justice Abroad (justiceabroad.co.uk) works for individuals and families seeking justice for matters which have taken place overseas and can be contacted by phone (+44 (0)20 7936 3637) or email  contact@justiceabroad.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.

Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world.  The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for families who have been denied it are here to provide that much needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.

Michael Polak