The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) has presented the details of the latest report on Turkey by the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT), drawing attention to serious concerns about prisoner isolation, particularly in İmralı Prison, and widespread torture and mistreatment in detention centres.
The report, which was discussed during a press conference held by the TİHV at the premises of the Human Rights Association (İHD) in İstanbul on Saturday, includes 65 recommendations to Turkey, urging the government to address human rights violations.
UN Committee against Torture questions Turkey on human rights violations, imprisonment of Öcalan
TİHV Chair Metin Bakkalcı drew attention to the committee’s call for the Turkish government to lift the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan and three other detainees at İmralı Prison, stating that restrictions on visits by family and lawyers cannot be justified as a disciplinary measure. Bakkalcı also pointed out the report’s recommendation to abolish ‘aggravated’ life imprisonment in order to ensure that life sentences include the possibility of parole or sentence reduction after a reasonable period.
The report, as highlighted by the TİHV, raises concerns about the increase in torture and mistreatment following events such as the 2016 coup attempt and the February 2023 earthquakes. It also stresses that Turkey’s current legal framework, particularly its penal code, is not fully in line with the UN Convention Against Torture, leading to impunity for law enforcement officials. “Legal reforms are urgently needed to prevent further human rights violations,” Bakkalcı said.
The TİHV presentation also addressed the report’s call for reforms to counter-terrorism laws, which the Committee believes contribute to the impunity of security forces. The UN Committee has urged Turkey to review its detention practices, including solitary confinement in high-security prisons, and called for the cessation of practices like reverse handcuffing, which are deemed to cause unnecessary suffering.
Bakkalcı concluded the presentation by stressing that Turkey is expected to respond to the UN’s recommendations by 26 July 2025 and highlighted the collective responsibility for ensuring a future free of torture.
