Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Commission members carried out their 422nd 'F sit-in' action through social media due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The members of the association drew attention to the situation of Adnan Yalçın, who has been in prison for 25 years.

In her statement IHD Hatice Onaran said that deaths have begun to occur due to the Kovid-19 outbreak in prisons. She added that the ill prisoners are basically left to die. Onaran said that the families are worried and condemned once again the law of execution passed by parliament which in fact exclude political prisoners thus preventing their release.

"The AKP-MHP government has released almost 100 thousand prisoners, yet not a single person opposing the regime has been released. In this way, the government has demonstrated its discriminatory attitude towards political prisoners."

Pointing out that the number of coronavirus cases in prisons is increasing by the day, Onaran added that the authorities have not taken sufficient actions to counter the pandemic.

The IHD reminds that prisoners are exposing the lack of cleaning, disinfection and personal hygiene products when they talk to their families of the weekly calls they are allowed to make. "The first measure taken was to stop visits by lawyers and families, but after that, no measure have been taken. Officers have not been given masks and gloves and this increase the risks of the virus spreading." 

Onaran also added that "risks are even higher for ill prisoners whose right to access health is constantly marked by difficulties and obstacles."

Onaran pointed out the case of Adnan Yalçın, 59, who has been in prison since 1996 and is seriously ill. 

The IHD called for the immediate release of Yalçın and all political prisoners.