The Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) and the Federation of Legal Solidarity Associations for Families of Prisoners and Convicts (TUHAD-FED) organized a press conference to expose the aggravated isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan and the situation of ill and non-released prisoners. The associations issued a call for an end to human rights violations.

The press conference was held in Ankara and was attended by Urfa (Riha) MP Dilan Kunt Ayan and Amed MP Ceylan Akça Cupolo from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), as well as by the co-chair of the Human Rights Association (IHD), Hüseyin Küçükbalaban.

Lawyer Sidal Bayrak from ÖHD’s Ankara Branch read the press release. She underlined that the severe isolation and arbitrary execution policies practiced in prisons contradict the principles of a rule-of-law state based on human rights. She noted that the rule of law and human dignity are being systematically violated and described the justice system as being in a crisis of legitimacy.

Right to treatment is being violated

Bayrak said that the right to treatment for ill prisoners is being violated, and added: "Even if hospitals designated as fully equipped by the Ministry of Justice provide medical reports, they are not considered valid unless approved by the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK). The ATK is neither impartial nor independent and causes long delays for ill inmates due to bureaucratic processes. As defined in ECHR rulings, this approach constitutes torture or inhuman treatment. The deaths and worsening illnesses of many inmates are concrete evidence of the state violating the right to health and life."

11 seriously ill prisoners in Central Anatolia jails

Bayrak also shared figures regarding ill inmates in Central Anatolia prisons. She said: "There are 74 sick inmates across various prisons, including Afyon, Bolvadin, Eskişehir, Karabük, Kırşehir, Sincan, and Yozgat. Of these, 11 are in serious condition. However, many cannot be diagnosed due to delayed or denied hospital transfers, or because they refuse dehumanizing practices like oral cavity searches or handcuffed examinations. Despite medical reports, many seriously ill prisoners are not released, violating their right to life."

Bayrak cited recent cases of two inmates who were eventually released only after it was determined they could not remain in prison alone. She stressed that others in similar situations must also be released without delay, and the treatment of seriously ill prisoners must continue outside prison. 

Arbitrary decisions by Prison Boards

Bayrak also noted that many inmates who have completed their sentences are not released due to arbitrary decisions by prison administrations and boards. In total, the release of 46 prisoners has been blocked in jails such as Afyon, Bolvadin, Eskişehir, Karabük, Kırşehir, Sincan, Yozgat, and Çorum. In Sincan Women's Prison, none of the women inmates are released on parole due to imposed "remorse" conditions, and only one parole has been granted in Karabük Prison.

Bayrak emphasized that indefinite prison terms violate the rights to liberty and fair trial. Arbitrary execution practices allow the state to exercise its punitive power without limit, leading to the erosion of fundamental rights. She called for an immediate end to such practices by prison boards.

Öcalan's conditions must change

Referring to Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” made on 27 February, Bayrak said: "His emphasis on democratic politics and legal recognition reveals a clear intent for resolution. The aggravated isolation of Öcalan is not only a personal rights violation but also a major obstacle to Turkey’s democratic future and peace process. This call must be answered by lifting the İmralı isolation regime and creating conditions where Öcalan can contribute to social peace."

Reform must start in all prisons

Bayrak concluded by emphasizing that a reform process must begin in all state institutions, starting with prisons, to rebuild the rule of law and ensure equal citizenship for all. She called on the public to be sensitive to these rights violations and to support the struggle for a democratic legal state.

Ill prisoners should be in hospital

DEM Party MP Dilan Kunt Ayan said: "There are nearly 1,400 ill prisoners in Turkish prisons, 300 of whom are seriously ill. Once again, we say: illness and imprisonment are incompatible. Ill prisoners belong in hospitals, not prisons. We continue this struggle on every platform we are present."

Prisons kill people

IHD co-chair Hüseyin Küçükbalaban said: "In institutions like F-type, S, R, and Y-type prisons, even healthy individuals lose their health over time. According to Ministry of Justice data, 207 ill prisoners died in the first ten months of 2024 alone. These prisons are killing people."