From Guards to Inmates: 'You are Enemies'

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Inmates in Bilecik Type M Closed Prison wrote that they are sent to bath for once a week and they have to take shower with cold water, and woman inmates in Elazığ Type T Closed Prison complained about battering and insulting.

In the letters they wrote to the MPs, the inmates explained the rights violations they have been subjected to, and said that their complaints either are not responded or they face transfer to different prisons.

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Şırnak MP Aycan İrmez and People’s Republican Party (CHP) Bursa MP Orhan Sarıbal shared the complaints of the inmates with the public and parliament.

Inmates not withdrawing petitions were exiled

In his statement for the press at the parliament, Sarıbal said, “According to Human Rights Association’s report of 2016, there are 1,015 violations of right to health; 204 violations of right to communication; 2,277 incidents of transfer and banishment; 1,348 incidents of torture and ill-treatment occurred in prisons.

“The inmates in Gölpazarı Prison in Bilecik confronted inhumane practices, were physically and psychologically tortured, sent to bath for once a week being forced to take shower with cold water. Besides, since there is no place for shopping other than the prison canteen, they were forced to shop overcharged.

“The inmates prepared 228 petitions for the prison conditions to be improved. But they were subjected to pressure by guardians to withdraw their petitions.  The inmates were prosecuted for not withdrawing their petitions on charge of inciting insurgency in prison. At least 10 inmates were exiled to other prisons”.

“Furthermore, in their letters, the inmates stated that the guardians raided the cells, seized personal belongings and shouted at them ‘You are dogs, you are enemies’”.

Is there any investigation launched into the prison administration?

İnmez demanded that Minister of Justice Abdullah Gül answer to the following questions:

- Are the rights violations in Elazığ Type T Closed Prison within the knowledge of your ministry? Does your ministry have any efforts towards the solution of the aforementioned violations?

- Why are the petitions written by the inmates left without a response?

- Is there any investigation launched into the prison administration and staff due to the rights violations? (AS/TK)