‘CPT report is deliberately manipulated by the Turkish media’
‘CPT report is deliberately manipulated by the Turkish media’
The lawyers also stated that the standards in Imrali prison is much lower than other F Type prisons in Turkey and CPT has pointed out this deficiencies and proposed Turkey minimum steps to be taken.
After Öcalan’s lawyers applied European Court of Human Rights regarding the conditions in Imrali F type High Security Prison where the Kurdish leader have been kept since his capture in 1999, European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) paid a visit to Imrali Prison between 26- 27 January 2010. The 20-paged report prepared on the prison conditions was published on 9 July 2010 with the consent of the Turkish state, in accordance with the procedure.
The Turkish media however, manipulated the report and launched it as “CPT has confirmed that there is no isolation in Imrali.” After reading the report thoroughly the lawyers of Öcalan stated that “The news published by the Turkish media is a clear manipulation of the report and far from reflecting the content and spirit of the CPT report.”
The lawyers also pointed out the conditions which were also underlined in the report.
Single-cell conditions
The cell where the PKK leader is kept does not receive sufficient sunlight and it is not possible to read without an extra light. This is because of the 7-meter high walls surrounding the building. The wall also prevents the sun in the outdoor area and this might lead serious health problems.
Violation of the right to communication
CPT also paid a visit to Kýrýkkale F type prison which has the same high security status like Imrali F type prison. CPT stated that the conditions in Kýrýkkale prison are much better than in Imrali. Despite the fact that long-life prisoners are kept in both prisons inmates in Kýrýkkale can meet others inmates out of their cells, up to 90 hours per a week whereas Imrali prisoners can spend only 36, 5 hours out of their cells and are allowed to meet other inmates for 8 hours only.
CPT also stated that they found it hard to understand why Öcalan was not allowed to have contact with other prisoners during outdoor/fresh air hours and proposed Turkey to allow him.
CPT further reported that although the other inmates in Imrali have TV’s in their cells Öcalan is deprived of this right and CPT asked the Turkish government for an explanation.
Contact with outside world
CPT proposed Turkey to let the inmates receive open visit from their close family members at least once in a month, let the inmates receive those visits later which they missed due to air conditions. It was reiterated that Öcalan should be allowed to make phone calls with family members.
Health issues
CPT stated in his report that the doctors on duty are not qualified enough for emergencies and there should be system to transfer the inmates to a hospital in an emergency. CPT further stated that although Öcalan is psychologically fit he is anxious about the proposals which Turkish government has failed to fulfil. It is also reported that Öcalan is being subjected to a medical examination every morning which is not only unnecessary but also disturbing his psychological state.
After Öcalan’s lawyers applied European Court of Human Rights regarding the conditions in Imrali F type High Security Prison where the Kurdish leader have been kept since his capture in 1999, European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) paid a visit to Imrali Prison between 26- 27 January 2010. The 20-paged report prepared on the prison conditions was published on 9 July 2010 with the consent of the Turkish state, in accordance with the procedure.
The Turkish media however, manipulated the report and launched it as “CPT has confirmed that there is no isolation in Imrali.” After reading the report thoroughly the lawyers of Öcalan stated that “The news published by the Turkish media is a clear manipulation of the report and far from reflecting the content and spirit of the CPT report.”
The lawyers also pointed out the conditions which were also underlined in the report.
Single-cell conditions
The cell where the PKK leader is kept does not receive sufficient sunlight and it is not possible to read without an extra light. This is because of the 7-meter high walls surrounding the building. The wall also prevents the sun in the outdoor area and this might lead serious health problems.
Violation of the right to communication
CPT also paid a visit to Kýrýkkale F type prison which has the same high security status like Imrali F type prison. CPT stated that the conditions in Kýrýkkale prison are much better than in Imrali. Despite the fact that long-life prisoners are kept in both prisons inmates in Kýrýkkale can meet others inmates out of their cells, up to 90 hours per a week whereas Imrali prisoners can spend only 36, 5 hours out of their cells and are allowed to meet other inmates for 8 hours only.
CPT also stated that they found it hard to understand why Öcalan was not allowed to have contact with other prisoners during outdoor/fresh air hours and proposed Turkey to allow him.
CPT further reported that although the other inmates in Imrali have TV’s in their cells Öcalan is deprived of this right and CPT asked the Turkish government for an explanation.
Contact with outside world
CPT proposed Turkey to let the inmates receive open visit from their close family members at least once in a month, let the inmates receive those visits later which they missed due to air conditions. It was reiterated that Öcalan should be allowed to make phone calls with family members.
Health issues
CPT stated in his report that the doctors on duty are not qualified enough for emergencies and there should be system to transfer the inmates to a hospital in an emergency. CPT further stated that although Öcalan is psychologically fit he is anxious about the proposals which Turkish government has failed to fulfil. It is also reported that Öcalan is being subjected to a medical examination every morning which is not only unnecessary but also disturbing his psychological state.
