Prisoners in Bodrum protest increase in violations of rights

40 prisoners in Bodrum S Type Closed Prison said that they are facing various rights violations and called for public awareness.

40 prisoners in Bodrum S Type Closed Prison said that they experience many problems ranging from access to healthcare services to isolation practices in the prison, which human rights organizations describe as a "pit-type" prison.

In the letters they sent, the prisoners drew attention to the aggravated isolation, inadequate healthcare services and arbitrary punishments.

The letters noted that a "special regime" is applied to political prisoners and that this is a reflection of the aggravated isolation regime applied to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan in Imrali.

Criticizing the oppressive and discriminatory practices of the prison administration, the prisoners state that access to healthcare services is severely restricted and that the treatment processes of especially sick prisoners are disrupted.

The letters added that 12 prisoners are held in isolation cells. They cannot benefit from social rights and that they are monitored 24 hours a day with cameras.

The prisoners also stated that their petitions against the prison administration were not processed, and drew attention to the allegations that disciplinary punishments and releases were arbitrarily prevented.

The letters said that the pressure increased with the suspension of the administrators following the corruption and torture allegations against the prison administration, and called on people outside to act.

Confirming that releases are prevented, the letters said: "The names of our friends whose releases have been prevented are as follows: Abdurahman Yıldırm, Adem Amaç, Harun Pala and Harun Kaya. Again, arbitrary disciplinary punishments are being turned into a tool of pressure. 17 of our friends were given communication and visit bans in August and September."