Disturbing reports are coming through regarding Kurdish children who were arrested in connection with political actions and placed in ordinary criminals' ward in Pozantý Prison. The kids are claiming that they have been sexually abused and beaten by ordinary criminals.

H.K. (15) says, "Some of our friends were molested many times. They beat us and forced us to undress. What we have been through cannot be put into words."

It is claimed that children were also subjected to racist and violent behaviour.

Another boy A. (17) tells, "The ordinary criminals strangled our necks with ropes and forced us to kiss the Turkish flag. They called us terrorists and beat us very badly" and adds that he has still not overcome the trauma of what he has been through.

Another ex-prisoner, A.K. (17), confirms the sexual abuse claims and notes that the prison administration was indifferent to their complaints.

Practioner Physician Didem Gediz Gelegen Türkmen from the Akdeniz Municipality Women's Advice Centre says that she met many children who have been sexually abused in prisons. "They have difficulty in expressing themselves. They do not trust people and life. They are badly damaged by what they have been through and cannot even share their pain with their families. Instead of building police stations in neighbourhoods, the state should improve traumatic places like prisons," says Gelegen noting that it is the state's responsibility to ensure the children's safety and wellbeing in prisons.

On the other hand the Pozantý Prison administration denies the sexual abuse claims.