Inmates at Şırnak (Şirnex) T-Type Closed Prison are now facing severe restrictions, including a ban on speaking Kurdish during phone calls with family, prohibition on hugging visitors during open visits, and a ban on legal representatives bringing essential items such as pens and documents into the facility. These measures were reported by Fadıl Tay, a lawyer from Şırnak Bar Association’s Human Rights Commission, following his visit to the prison on 8 August.
“These actions are not just unconstitutional but also reflect the oppressive policies reminiscent of the 1990s when Kurdish language and culture were systematically suppressed,” Tay stated. He added that such measures violate fundamental human rights and are tantamount to psychological torture.
The Kurdish language has a fraught history in Turkey, where its use was officially banned following the 1980 military coup, even in private settings. Although some progress was made in the early 2000s, recent years have seen a resurgence in anti-Kurdish sentiment, exacerbated by the political climate. Reports suggest that the prohibition of Kurdish in public and private life is part of a broader pattern of rights violations, particularly under the current administration.
“These practices echo the dark days of the 1990s and represent a continuation of policies aimed at erasing Kurdish identity,” Tay said. Şırnak Bar Association plans to conduct a thorough investigation on 13 August to document these violations and pursue legal actions.
