Arrested journalist Hüsnü Mahalli’s health severely deteriorating: CHP lawmaker

ISTANBUL

Arrested journalist Hüsnü Mahalli’s health is severely deteriorating, a main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy has said, urging that Mahalli, who has multiple sclerosis, should not be treated under such appalling conditions.

“He needs prosthesis support and needs to receive physical therapy and hematology tracking. He is receiving treatment that is actually worsening his immune system and lowering his blood values,” CHP Istanbul lawmaker Ali Şeker said after visiting Mahalli in prison, while adding that he was having difficulties moving, sitting and squatting and risked paralysis in his legs. 

“He is not being given food from outside and he cannot buy food with his money, so he stays hungry. The conditions are bad, hygiene is appalling and he says he can’t sleep because of loud noises. Stressful conditions trigger his disease. He should not be treated under such circumstances. He believes that they are intentionally trying to advance his disease,” he added. 

Mahalli was arrested on Dec. 15, 2016 for allegedly insulting state officials and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was later hospitalized on Dec. 21, 2016. 

His daughter, Sevra Mahalli, confirmed on her Twitter account that her father’s health was worsening. “My father’s blood values are getting worse. Our priority is his treatment and his health,” she said. 

Turan Aydoğan, Mahalli’s lawyer, also told journalists that he was going through a very difficult treatment process. 

“Last Friday, the doctors said that his blood values were extremely low. In MS, even if you feel like you are getting better, you can get worse any second and can face serious risks,” Aydoğan told online web portal bianet, noting that if such conditions continued, Mahalli could face permanent disability or death. 

“We will appeal against his arrest. We will also apply to the Constitutional Court related to our previous appeal,” he said.