ISTANBUL – The Istanbul Branch of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) released its semi-annual report detailing rights violations in 17 prisons across the Marmara Region from January to June 2025. The report highlights systemic abuses such as forced strip searched, denial of healthcare, and arbitrary blocks on prisoner releases, most notably, the prevention of conditional release for 93 prisoners. 

 

At a press conference held at the ÖHD office in Beyoğlu, Bedirhan Sarsılmaz from the Prison Commission stated that the report was based on prison visits, letters and faxes received by the association, and information from families.

 

ARBITRARY OBSTRUCTION OF RELEASE

 

Sarsılmaz outlined a range of violations: isolation, forced strip searches, handcuffed medical examinations, overpriced canteen items, poor-quality food, restricted access to books and media, limitations on communication and social activities, and inadequate hygiene and water access. He also noted arbitrary disciplinary penalties and the refusal to release gravely ill prisoners.

 

SPECIFIC CASES OF ABUSE

 

In Çorlu High-Security Prison, inmates M.O., F.H., Ç.T., and L.B. were reportedly subjected to physical abuse and strip searches upon entry. In Gebze Women’s Prison, inmates were forced to undergo medical exams in handcuffs, resulting in canceled treatments. Prisoner Y.C. was repeatedly taken to the hospital but denied medical care due to being kept in handcuffs.

 

Prisoners face restrictions on receiving books, especially those in Kurdish or from opposition outlets. Publications like Yeni Yaşam, Evrensel, Demokratik Modernite, and Xwebûn are often denied without explanation.

 

SYSTEMIC DENIAL OF CONDITIONAL RELEASE

 

Sarsılmaz reported that prison administrative boards systematically deny conditional release based on vague claims like "lack of remorse" or "continued ideological commitment." In Bolu F-Type Prison alone, 34 prisoners were denied release. Similar patterns were reported in Tekirdağ and Bakırköy Women’s Prison, where inmates nearing release dates were deliberately given disciplinary penalties to prevent their release. Notably, 85-year-old K.B. in Edirne and double amputee E.A. in Metris Prison were not released despite official medical reports stating they should not remain incarcerated. In total, 93 inmates in the Marmara Region have been arbitrarily denied release.

 

47 SERIOUSLY ILL PRISONERS

 

The report identified 47 gravely ill prisoners across the region's overcrowded facilities, including 19 in Bolu and several in prisons in Edirne, Tekirdağ, and Istanbul.

 

REFERENCE TO ABDULLAH ÖCALAN’S CALL

 

The report referenced Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27, 2025, call for “Peace and Democratic Society,” emphasizing that the extreme isolation imposed on him obstructs broader democratic and peace processes.

 

CALL FOR REFORM

 

Sarsılmaz concluded with a call for a comprehensive human rights-based reform in Turkish prisons and state institutions. He urged an end to discriminatory and arbitrary practices and the fulfilment of legal obligations to ensure justice and humane treatment for all prisoners.