IHD calls for release of ill prisoner Ekim Polat

The IHD called for the release of ill prisoner Ekim Polat, who has been on hunger strike for 35 days, demanding to end the violations of rights he has been subjected to.

The Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Commission held the 545th "F Sit-in", organised to draw attention to the condition of ill prisoners. This week's action in front of the association building, drew attention to the situation of ill prisoner Ekim Polat, who is being held in Denizli T Type Prison.

Many human rights defenders as well as the prisoners’ relatives attended the action.

Suspicious deaths

Meral Nergis Şahin from the IHD Prison Commission said that the violations of rights in prisons point to a great humanitarian crisis in every aspect. She underlined that three ill prisoners lost their lives in the last two weeks, while Nevzat Çapkın, a 29-year-old prisoner who lost his life after being released, and Ergin Korcum, who allegedly committed suicide. Şahin said: "We continue to warn the authorities and remind them of their responsibilities, so that deaths in prison end.”

Polat on hunger strike for 35 days

Şahin underlined that ill prisoner Ekim Polat, who is held in Denizli T Type Prison, suffers from heart rhythm disorder, COPD, osteoporosis, as well as many other health issues and has gone on hunger strike 35 days ago. He is demanding the violation of rights to end and his right to be properly treated.