The Human Rights Association (IHD) Iğdır branch held a press conference to draw attention to the condition of Emin Aladağ, a severely ill prisoner who has been incarcerated for 26 years. Speaking at the press conference, IHD Iğdır Provincial representative lawyer Şaziye Cantepe emphasized that the most pressing issues in Turkey’s prisons are isolation practices and the health problems of sick prisoners.

Emin Aladağ’s health is deteriorating

Reminding that thousands of prisoners are awaiting treatment in prison, Cantepe said: "Emin Aladağ was detained in 1993. As a result of torture during his detention, he suffered tendon tears in his right arm and left leg. He was released in 1998, but after his life sentence was upheld, he was re-arrested and imprisoned in 2000. During his time in prison, his surgeries were delayed, and he was treated for extended periods merely with painkillers. His lawyers’ requests for him to be treated outside prison were also rejected, which led to the worsening of his condition. On top of the long-term health issues Aladağ has suffered for 26 years, he has developed additional illnesses due to prolonged imprisonment."

He is not fit to remain in prison

Cantepe noted that Aladağ suffers from chronic high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as chronic asthma, stomach issues, cervical and lumbar hernias. "He has also undergone surgery for calcification in his left hip and has a metal plate inserted. He had surgery for tendon tears in his right arm caused by torture, and he also needs surgery on his left arm. Due to a hernia, his right leg is paralyzed. However, the surgery was not successful, and Aladağ now relies on a cane and the assistance of his cellmates to meet his daily needs. He is not in a condition to serve the remaining four years of his sentence in prison. For this reason, an application was made to the medical board to have his sentence postponed. The process is currently ongoing at Elazığ Fırat University Hospital, but it is progressing very slowly. After the procedures are completed, Emin Aladağ will appear before a medical committee."

Aladağ must be released immediately

Cantepe emphasized that Aladağ must be released without delay, adding: "Due to the illnesses that negatively affect his quality of life, his need for continuous support from others, the poor conditions in prisons, and the lack of adequate and timely medical treatment, it is now impossible for him to serve the remainder of his sentence in prison. Therefore, his sentence should be postponed due to his permanent health condition or the remaining sentence should be pardoned so that he can be treated in proper conditions and be with his family."

Postpone the sentence

Emin Aladağ’s brother, Bekir Aladağ, said: "My brother suffers from very serious health problems. In August 2024, he suffered a stroke and is now partially paralyzed on the right side of his body. He has a medical report certifying 87% severe disability. His condition has worsened, and he now has to rely on the help of his cellmates to manage daily life. We request that his sentence be postponed or the remaining sentence be pardoned, considering his critical health condition so that he can receive treatment outside of prison."