The Federation of Dersim Association (DEDEF) Women’s Council, in a written press statement, called for urgent action for ill prisoner Aysel Tuğluk, former Co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), who is in an isolation cell in Kandıra No.1 F-type Prison.

Recalling that according to the Human Rights Association (IHD) there are 1605 ill prisoners, 604 seriously ill, the statement said: “Aysel Tuğluk has been imprisoned for a long time. Following the incidents that occurred during her mother’s funeral, she began to struggle against a serious disease that is difficult to cure.” The statement asked for the release of all ill prisoners as well as of Aysel Tuğluk.

‘The Forensic Medicine Institute acts in accordance with political orders’

The statement underlined the impossibility of medical treatment in prison conditions, and continued: “With the increasing suspicious death and suicide cases, jails have turned into a hell for prisoners. Last week, 4 prisoners lost their lives. The Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) acts as a towel which the state uses to wipe the blood of political prisoners. Its reports have been contrary to both science and conscience. It acts in accordance with political orders.”

The statement added: “On the anniversary of the 19-22 December 2000 massacres in prisons, it is obvious that nothing has changed in years; mass murders have been replaced with torture and isolation against every single prisoner.” The statement urged the public to be sensitive against ill treatment and torture in prison.