Özge Özbek, a seriously ill political prisoner detained in Turkey’s Sincan Women’s Closed Prison despite years of medical warnings, was released on Monday after the authorities postponed her sentence for six months. Her release followed sustained pressure from rights groups and public protests across Turkey.
Özbek, who underwent brain surgery for a tumour in October 2020, was arrested shortly after the operation. Since then, she has suffered from recurring seizures, intense headaches, and loss of balance. Although a December 2021 report by the Kocaeli Darıca Training and Research Hospital confirmed she was not fit to remain in prison, the İstanbul Forensic Medicine Institute and Ankara City Hospital contradicted the finding, stating she could continue her sentence.
This contradiction led to prolonged imprisonment, sparking outrage among human rights advocates. Over recent months, demonstrations demanding Özbek’s release were held in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, led by the Human Rights Association (İHD) and the Freedom for Ill Prisoners Initiative. Campaigners held banners reading ‘Treatment is a right, it cannot be obstructed’ and chanted, “Isolation kills, solidarity keeps alive.”
Özbek’s sentence was finally postponed following a revised evaluation by the Forensic Medicine Institute, which came after mounting public and legal pressure. On her release, she was welcomed with flowers by members of the Lawyers for Freedom Association and the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party.
Speaking outside the prison, Özbek expressed relief and sadness. “I hope not just one, two, or three, but all sick prisoners gain their freedom,” she said. “This is a bittersweet moment. I came out incomplete, and thousands of my friends are still inside.”
Upon her return to Diyarbakır (Amed), Özbek reiterated her hope that her release would pave the way for others. “There are thousands of political prisoners unjustly held. I hope this marks a beginning for them. At a time when peace and brotherhood are spoken of so often, may we be the ones who opened the door.”
Her case reflects broader concerns over Turkey’s treatment of ill prisoners. Rights groups warn that dozens of inmates with severe health conditions continue to be held in inadequate conditions, and with limited access to proper care.
One such case is Mehmet Emin Çam, a 73-year-old with severe medical issues, currently imprisoned in the Beşiri Type T Closed Prison in Batman (Êlih). His situation was also highlighted during recent nationwide protests.
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Human rights advocates and opposition parties have called on the government to ensure the right to healthcare and fair treatment for all prisoners, particularly those facing life-threatening conditions.
Özbek’s release, though temporary, is seen as a victory for civil society—but also a reminder of the many who remain behind bars despite their deteriorating health.
