While pressure and rights violations against prisoners in prisons continue, even the most basic human rights cannot be enjoyed. Wan Prisoners and Convicted Families Mutual Aid and Solidarity Association (TUHAY-DER) Director Hakan Bilekçi stated that the pressure on political prisoners continues unabated and that prison administrations are not acting in accordance with the spirit of the process.

 

Bilekçi said that there is a regime established for political prisoners and that while physical violence was used in the past, psychological violence is now used. Bilekçi said: "Every prisoner has the right to hope and should be able to benefit from this right, but when we look at it, we receive letters and calls from prisoners who are subjected to rights violations almost every day. Political prisoners are the ones most exposed to these rights violations. If they define themselves as a state governed by the rule of law, then they should act accordingly." 

 

'JUDICIAL PACKAGES DO NOT COVER POLITICAL PRISONERS'

 

Drawing attention to the fact that punishment is involved in the punishment of political prisoners, Bilekçi said that political prisoners are not covered by judicial reforms. "There is no equality in the punishment given even in prisons. Attitudes and punishments should be fair, regardless of ideas and thoughts. Even when they are taken for hospital check-ups, prisoners are asked whether they are biased or impartial. Political prisoners are searched from their shoes to their mouths. There is a systematic attack against prisoners, particularly by prison management and guards," he said. 

 

Bilekçi said that prisoners were being threatened with death and, referring to recent reports, stated that there was a systematic attack against prisoners in Ahlat Prison. He said that prisoners had gone on hunger strike in response to the pressure they were under and would continue until the pressure ended. Bilekçi said that prisoners were also being pressured for bringing the violations to the public's attention. 

 

'IF THEY ARE SINCERE IN THE PROCESS, THE PRESSURE MUST END'

 

Bilekçi said that prisons were not acting in accordance with the spirit of the process and that many sick prisoners were unable to benefit from health services. 

 

Bilekçi added: "We are in a process of finding a solution. The Kurdish people and politicians have taken the necessary steps, but the government has yet to take any concrete action. Looking at the problems in prisons, it is very clear that the state is not sincere in this process. If they are sincere in this process, the pressure must end." 

 

MA / Bilal Babat