ERZİNGAN – Mehmet Beşaltı, who was released from Erzincan High Security Prison on July 29, revealed that during outdoor yard time, prison authorities prevented them from exercising by claiming, “You might be taking too much breath.”
Within the Democratic Society Process initiated by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” the establishment of a Parliamentary Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity, and Democracy raised hopes. However, persistent pressures and restrictions in prisons suggest a counter-policy is being enforced behind the scenes.
Beşaltı described the harsh prison conditions, stating prisoners were confined to single cells for 23 hours a day, with limited access to outdoor time. Contrary to official claims denying security measures, the prison corridors had security mesh on windows, preventing prisoners from sticking their heads out.
Due to insufficient weekly sports time, prisoners tried exercising during yard hours, improvising by tying their socks into balls. The prison director stopped them, saying, “If you do this, you exercise too much and breathe too deeply,” adding that such activity was not permitted by prison regulations.
‘HIGH HELL COLSED PRISON’
Known among prisoners as the “Erzincan High Hell Closed Prison,” the facility suffers from reduced workshop hours, irregular and poor-quality meals, and political prisoners being deprioritized in medical care. Beşaltı emphasized ongoing psychological pressure, forced strip searches, and poor-quality reading materials, despite official rhetoric promoting peace and equality among ethnic groups.
Prisoners have filed complaints with the Justice Ministry, Parliamentary Human Rights Commission, Prison Directorate, and civil society, but received no response. Beşaltı reaffirmed their commitment to Abdullah Öcalan’s vision for peace and demanded restoration of rights, removal of punitive disciplinary measures, and improved living conditions.
MA / Rukiye Payiz Adıgüzel