Ayhan Yılmaz, a prisoner in Van T Type Closed Prison, denounced the violations of rights they were exposed to in a telephone conversation with his family.

He said that they are exposed to the violence of the guards every day, and added that they actually fear for their life.

Talking about the coronavirus outbreak, Yılmaz pointed out that no measure was taken to protect prisoners and cells were not disinfected. 

Yılmaz said that violations of rights and arbitrary practices carried out by the prison administration have increased after the coronavirus outbreak and new execution arrangements. "Many of our friends have been hospitalized because of the beating they received in a number of attacks that started on 3 April. Radio and books were confiscated. After that, we started to receive constant threats."

Yılmaz called on people to show sensitivity and added: "The prison administration has turned this current coronavirus emergency into an opportunity to deepen its illegal practices. Visits were banned by Ministry of Justice due to the coronavirus outbreak and a weekly additional phone call right was given. These two phone calls are for prisoners to be able to inform their families who are very concerned. However, this right is given and taken arbitrarily by the prison administration and ow we can only call once a week."

Yılmaz was complaining of problems in breathing and added: "Our right to hospital here is completely restricted. Many prisoners with chronic diseases are not taken to the hospital, although their condition has worsened. The petitions and demands we wrote are obstructed. The measures taken to counter the coronavirus are inadequate and cleaning and hygiene materials are not given to us on the grounds that they are 'prohibited'."