The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic, which started in Wuhan, China and has caused the death of almost 200 thousand people until now, continues to spread worldwide.

In Turkey, the government has not taken measures for prisoners and Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul announced that three prisoners died in jail.

What is going on in Van prisons is covered by confidentiality. It is very difficult to hear from the prisons as Van Republic Prosecutor's Office and prison administrations have oredered to close them to the outside.

Political prisoners only provide information about what happened to their families, during their weekly phone calls.

HDP Van Deputy Murat Sarısaç spoke to ANF regarding the latest situation in prisons. Sarısaç underlined that many prisoners appear to be in quarantine, but the public opinion is not informed about how many of prisoners actually have tested positive or have symptoms of coronavirus.  

Sarısaç said that the risks for prisoners are very high and added: "We cannot protect ourselves outside never mind in prisons where people have to live together and are not in a position to protect themselves. It is still not too late. Many of those who are ill in prison are kept unlawfully even considering the existing laws."

The HDP deputy added: "The legal commission of our party continues to work on this issue. They are carrying out talks but there has been no positive development so far. We need social sensitivity. The society must support and speak about as 200 thousand people have been left to die in prisons. The government has freed the mercenaries, protecting them from the coronavirus. If our party's efforts and social support increase, we can all succeed together. The government says it has taken precautions, but this doesn't apply to prisons. We think this is a conscience matter. This is a situation that will disturb the conscience of humanity."

Sarısaç pointed out that the prisoners who were taken to the prison infirmary were prescribed random medicines and asked a few questions. "This is how the health system works in prisons. Currently, quarantine is being implemented in prisons because of the coronavirus. They put prisoners into isolation cells and called it quarantine."

The MP said: "The government has abandoned the whole society to its fate. Masks, disinfectant products are charged for. Three people are given one disinfectant gel. Cleaning products are very limited. We have to support the HDP 'Twin family' campaign and be in solidarity with the prisons. We must develop an attitude that prioritizes the health of the prisoners."