The “2022-2023 Prison Rights Violations Report” highlights the severe and systematic human rights abuses in Turkish prisons, reflecting a disturbing normalisation of political repression and isolation practices.
The report, presented by the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) and the Federation of Associations for Legal and Solidarity with Families of Detainees and Convicts (MED TUHAD-FED), underscores the reflection of the ongoing isolation on Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı Prison on the widespread suppression and human rights violations in Turkish prisons.
At a press conference held at the Human Rights Association (İHD) Diyarbakır Branch, ÖHD co-presidents and the management of İHD highlighted issues faced by prisoners in 91 different prisons based on complaints from prisoners and their relatives. Fırat Taşkın of the ÖHD pointed out that long-standing policies of isolation in Turkish prisons have led to numerous human rights violations.
Political prisoners and harsh conditions
Taşkın emphasised that the conditions reported reflect a broader pattern of political oppression and are deemed unacceptable. These conditions are frequently normalised within Turkey, raising significant concerns internationally. The report documents that these alleged practices in prisons represent typical examples of human rights violations, with prisoners subjected to arbitrary and extrajudicial disciplinary actions.
Hunger strikes and protests against isolation
Particularly troubling is the situation at the high-security F-Type Prison in İmralı, where PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and others have been incommunicado since 25 March 2021. In protest against the severe limitations on their social interactions and communication with the outside world, including legal representation and family visits, 1,997 political prisoners across 91 facilities commenced hunger strikes on 27 November 2023.
Legal and health concerns in prisons
The report also criticises the recent execution adjustments which were enacted without adhering to the principle of equality, explicitly excluding political prisoners under organised crime laws. These adjustments have led to overcrowding in prisons, further exacerbating the harsh conditions. Moreover, sick prisoners face grave violations of their rights to health and life, with authorities frequently blocking their release on medical grounds.
International oversight and call for action
Despite these conditions, international bodies like the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) have conducted visits but have not publicly disclosed their findings, purportedly pending approval from Turkish authorities. This lack of transparency and the continuation of these conditions necessitate urgent international attention and action, the report underlined.
The speakers at the conference called for immediate legal and procedural corrections to ensure the release of those unjustly detained, advocating for an end to the pervasive rights violations in Turkish prisons. They urge all stakeholders to uphold the principles of justice and human rights and to take decisive steps to rectify these ongoing issues.
