Mehmet Salih Filiz is being held in Izmir Ödemiş T Type Closed Prison. He has long been struggling with severe diseases such as colon cancer, osteoporosis and tuberculosis.

Filiz, 23, is among the prisoners who are at serious risk, especially during the Covid-19 outbreak. In a telephone conversation with his brother Şehmuz on Wednesday, 8 April, Mehmet Filiz drew attention to the serious violations of the rights of prisoners.

Şehmuz Filiz said that the injection his brother needs to be given every 14 days as part of his treatment for cancer, was not given.

Mehmet Salih Filiz told his brother: "I am being treated for many illnesses. Most importantly, I get intestinal and tuberculosis treatment. My medications are not given. I have bowel cancer and need special food. Unfortunately, food comes from Europe, but because of the coronavirus pandemic it is not delivered. There is no food stock in the prison. The meals in the doctor-approved diet program are not provided. On 7 April, a general surgeon saw me because my health was not good. But the surgeon said he could do nothing as my problems were outside his field. He did tell the prison medical unity that I had to be hospitalized urgently. Those working in the health unit are still not giving me my medicine. My health is getting worse by the day."

Mehmet Salih Filiz's brother, Şeyhmuz, said: "We are worried about my brother because he is so ill. He is not taken to the hospital due to the virus outbreak, but clearly he cannot continue to be held in prison. He is left to die in prison."