Journalist Aziz Oruç is in Patnos L Type Closed Prison. He said that hot water is the most needed thing because of the epidemic risk. "We still take a shower with cold or lukewarm water in Patnos Prison."
Journalist Aziz Oruç, who is held in Patnos L Type Closed Prison, reported violations of their rights.
Oruç, who contacted his wife Hülya Oruç on the phone on 27 April, stated that the measures taken against the risk of coronavirus (Covid-19) are insufficient and that they had problems in accessing cleaning materials. "We still take a shower with cold or lukewarm water in Patnos Prison," he told his wife.
Oruç also confirmed that they have problems in sending and receiving letters, although they are officially not banned. "We are only able to phone one day a week. Actually, there is no letter ban. There should be no problem in sending and receiving letters. I sent a letter and photo on 6 April. But letters are not delivered. Although I have been writing petitions to know about what happened, no answer was given."
Stating that they have serious problems with cleaning and access to cleaning materials in prison, Oruç said: "The Minister of Justice said they would provide all cleaning products. However, only one soap per week is given. In this period, there are serious problems in purchasing the products we want in the canteen. Furthermore, in this period, I can say that hot water is needed most because of the virus, however we still have to take shower with cold water."
Oruç also talked about the difficulties in being referred to hospital. "I had a serious problem due to migraine. Before the coronavirus outbreak, I went to the infirmary a few times and asked to be transferred to the hospital, but this was rejected. I am currently using one medicine. I have serious pain both in my eyes and head because of reading books and writing. There is no condition to receive any proper treatment or being referred to the hospital."
