Prisoners are denied papers, access to health, and are often not taken to common areas officially because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a latest report.
The Marmara Association for Solidarity with Prisoners’ Families (MAYUHAY DER) has published a new report on the rights violation in the prisons of Marmara Region.
The report said that violations are taking place in many prisons. Prisoners are denied papers, access to health, and are often not taken to common areas officially because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The report underlined that prisoners have been subjected to complete isolation. Social activities, sports and time to talk are denied.
The report, which stated that the prisoners also faced difficulties in going to the hospital, noted: “The books confiscated during the raids in the ward are not returned. Even though the prisoners are told that they will be given back to them when they meet with the administration and demand their books, these are not returned. The daily paper Yeni Yaşam is not given to prisoners who ask for it. Coronavirus is cited as a reason to allow violations to continue. Ill prisoners face serious difficulties. Letters are not sent and if they are in Kurdish they are not delivered to prisoners.”
MATUHAY DER also added that the food in prison is bad and scarce. In addition, some prisoners complained about not being taken to the infirmary when they asked to, or being given answer two months after they complained about dental problems. Prices are very high in canteen shop, food and hygiene items are not available as they should be.”