Med Legal and Solidarity Associations with Families’ Prisoners (MED TUHAD-FED) and Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) met with prisoners who were deported to Diyarbakır T Type 4 Closed Prison after the rebellion in Batman M Type Closed Prison. Lawyers have shared the result of their visits in a report in which they said that around 400 prisoners were transferred from Batman to Diyarbakır T Type Prison No. 4 after the rebellion.

The report said: “After the riot, prisoners were handled by staff who did not comply with the social contact rules in the corridor. This clearly posed a threat to the health of prisoners. Lawyers added that the visits were “carried out with a window separating them from their clients, however the phone was not working and they had to shout through the glass. The visit took place in violation of defense confidentiality. It was observed that the rules of social contact were not observed on the bus carrying the enforcement officers on campus. The bus was crowded and there were people standing."

The stories told by the prisoners were reflected in the report. “As the media wrote, the rebellionby ended after an agreement was reached. During the post-riot deportation process, it was reported that the personnel in the ring wore gloves but did not wear a mask. Prisoners said they have been insulted during the deportation process but they were also subjected to beatings and violence both after the agreement, during the deportation process and before entering prison in Diyarbakır. Prisoners reported that they were battered especially by a very large group in Diyarbakır.”

The lawyers said that during the visit they could still see traces of beatings and bruises on the face and under the eyes of the detainees. Prisoners complained about the lack of cleaning materials and adequate measures in the wards. Prisoners added that two meals a day are served and the first visit with their families would be in 10 days.”

The report listed the following things to be done: 

“* First of all, the measures to face the epidemic should be increased in the Penal Execution Institution in line with the measures announced by the Science Board and the Ministry of Justice. In this framework, the cleaning, disinfection and compliance of the Penal Execution Institution with the social contact rules are a priority.

* The prisoners who were beaten during the deportation process should be checked as soon as possible and medical reports should be prepared.

* While keeping prisoners in jail attention should be paid to hygiene conditions, and personal protective and cleaning materials should be provided free of charge.

* Video calls should be allowed especially to reassure families who are worried for their relatives in prisons after the deportation from Batman jail.

* A delegation consisting of deputies and bar representatives should visit the Penitentiary Institution to check that coronavirus measures are implemented”.