Opposition MP demands inquiry over living condition in Turkish prisons

ANKARA

CİHAN photo

A deputy from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) has submitted a motion of inquiry to parliament regarding the living conditions of inmates in Turkish prisons and their compliances or disconformities to universal human rights.

The motion submitted by CHP Istanbul deputy Mahmut Tanal called on parliament to launch an inquiry into the living conditions in the increasing number of prisons in Turkey for all inmates, particularly disabled, foreign or LGBTI (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex) individuals. The commission to be formed through this motion would investigate in terms of compliance with human rights in order to remedy deficiencies and to put an end to any forms of injustice.

According to the latest figures, 164,461 persons are incarcerated in Turkey, and prisons currently under construction would increase this capacity to 300,000 inmates in 2017, Tanal recalled. 

The Civil Society in the Penal System (CİSST) will soon release its 2014-2015 “Detainees With Special Needs” report on the conditions in prisons. Regarding deficiencies outlined by the report, Tanal said, “In Turkish prisons, all healthcare and hygienic supplies including the essential ones such as drinking water, panty liners, toilet paper, soap or detergent are sold for money. This is a major issue for those with special needs such as foreigners far away from their family or those at risk of being ostracized by their relatives such as the LGBTI [individuals], but also for any inmates with the inability to receive money from the outside.”